Social Worker Lower Hutt

New Zealand Government; Lower Hutt; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Central Lower Hutt location

Professional networking opportunities

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children invites applications for a full-time Social Worker based in Lower Hutt, serving the Wellington region. You will engage with whānau and partner with community services to safeguard tamariki and support families.

This permanent role suits both new entrants and experienced practitioners; SWRB registration, a current driver’s licence, and excellent communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Full registration with NZ Social Work Registration Board (SWRB).
• Social work qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Full, clean, current driver’s licence.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Resilience, problem-solving, and flexibility.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with the community and whānau.
• Collaborate with other social services to meet needs.
• Help establish sustainable support systems prioritising tamariki safety.

Skills

SWRB registration

Excellent communication

Time management

Education

SWRB-recognised social work qualification

Tools

MS Office Suite

Report writing

Job description

We have a full-time position available. This role is based at our Lower Hutt site looking after the Wellington region. Annual remuneration for this position ranges between $81,206.00 and $97,557.00, depending on experience.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This role is a permanent position at our Lower Hutt site, so if you are looking at starting your Social Work career, or are an experienced Social Worker ready for a change - this is an excellent opportunity for you! In order to make positive changes in the lives of children and families in our community, we need people like you who have knowledge, experience and are passionate about the wellbeing of children. Join a team with big hearts and a passion for getting things right for its children, young people, and community. You can be part of a positive and supportive team and help children and young people be safe, strong and thrive.

In this dynamic position, you'll have the privilege of engaging directly with our community, working closely with whānau and collaborating with other social services to ensure a cohesive approach in meeting their needs. Our focus is on establishing sustainable support systems that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of tamariki within their whānau. If you're dedicated to fostering positive change within our community and believe you have what it takes, we want to hear from you!

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated resilience, problem solving techniques and flexibility
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Our team work alongside police and community agencies, and we offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow! We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way.

• Supportive team and work environment to support you to grow and thrive
• Central location close to lots of eateries and shops
• Opportunity to build your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforce

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. We are committed to ensuring that NewZealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need. We are committed to putting tamariki first, we believe aroha is vital, we respect the mana of people, we are tika and pono, we value whakapapa and we recognise that oranga is a journey.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits

Applications close: 20th September 2026!