Social Worker - Manawatu ##

Open Home Foundation; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 68,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Home Foundation in Manawatu is seeking a Social Worker to join our team. You will work with tamariki, rangatahi, whanau and the community in a strengths-based, culturally respectful way, promoting family well-being.

The role requires a Social Work degree (minimum 3 years' experience), registration or eligibility, NZ driver's license, and willingness to take after-hours duty. Salary ranges from $68,038 to $102,000 p.a., depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Social Work qualification with a minimum of 3 years' experience.
• Registration with the SWRB or eligible for registration.
• Knowledge of care and protection social work.
• Familiarity with The Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and Family Court processes.
• Understanding of Maori and Tauiwi relationships and alignment with the organisation's Christian Kaupapa.
• Two years’ experience with care and protection and trauma-informed practice.
• Full New Zealand driver’s license is essential.
• NZ child protection experience preferred.
• Alignment with Open Home Foundation’s Christian Kaupapa.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with tamariki, rangatahi, whanau and the community in a strengths-based and culturally appropriate way.
• Provide care and protection social work and trauma-informed practice.
• Support caregivers of tamariki and rangatahi.
• Be flexible with after-hours duty as required.

Skills

Social Work

Education

Social Work Qualification

Job description

Social Worker

Full Time - Manawatu

“Supporting Families, Caring for Children”

The Open Home Foundation (OHF) is a Christian Community Response and has a vision that every child and young person has the opportunity to grow up in a secure, loving family and receive a depth of care which will bless them throughout their lives.

We are expanding our team and looking for a Social Worker to join our Manawatu team, who shares our vision and is able to work closely with tamariki, rangatahi, whanau and the community in a strengths-based and culturally appropriate way that promotes family well-being/whanau mauri ora.

After hours duty is essential as part of this role, once the Social Worker feels comfortable in the role.

The successful person will have the following:

• A Social Work Qualification (minimum 3 years' experience)
• Registration with the SWRB or be eligible for registration.
• Knowledge and experience in care and protection social work
• Good knowledge of The Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and its Family Court processes.
• An in-depth understanding of how the role recognizes the special relationship between Maori and Tauiwi and strong empathy with the organization’s special character.
• A minimum of two years’ experience and a passion for:
  • Care and protection social work and trauma informed practice.
  • Supporting Caregivers of tamariki and rangatahi.
• Excellent organizational and inter-personal skills.
• A full New Zealand driver's license is essential.
• An alignment with the Open Home Foundation’s Christian Kaupapa.
• NZ child protection experience preferred.

The fulltime salary for this position is between $68,038 to $102,000 p.a. ~ Kindly note the salary is based on experience.

Contact: [e-mail]

Applications Close: 6th November 2026