Social Worker - Masterton

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Masterton District; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a permanent Social Worker for the Masterton site. The role focuses on meeting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, assessing needs, and formulating intervention plans, working with iwi and community partners to improve outcomes.

You will advocate for tamariki and rangatahi, complete safety checks, and collaborate with agencies to support families. A NZ driver’s licence and SWRB registration are required.

Qualifications

• Full NZ driver’s licence.
• Full registration with NZ SWRB and ability to obtain practising certificate before start date.
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB.

Responsibilities

• Meet tamariki, rangatahi and whānau; assess needs; formulate intensive intervention plans.
• Participate in hui‑ā‑whānau and family group conferences; partner with other agencies and local iwi.
• Collaborate with community groups and state sector agencies to improve outcomes.
• Advocate for tamariki and rangatahi to access support and resources.
• Complete initial safety checks and assessments; manage risk and plan interventions.
• Prepare social work plans, court reports and other case notes.

Skills

Empathy

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Risk assessment

Influence & empowerment

Patience

Education

Social work degree recognised by SWRB

Job description

Permanent Social Worker Role Available Masterton Site Salary starts between $81,206 to $97,557 dependant on experience. Our Masterton site is looking for a permanent Social Worker to join their team. Masterton is a wonderful, family orientated community with great parks, lots of hiking spots for those who love the outdoors and affordable housing while still being only an hour and half drive form the capital.

Mōmātou|About us

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey
• We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand 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.

Mō te tūnga|About the role

• As part of our team, you will spend your day meeting with tamariki, rangatahi and their family and whānau listening to what they have to say, completing assessments of need, formulating intensive intervention plans, participating in hui‑ā‑whānau, family group conferences, and partnering with other agencies, community groups and local iwi to improve outcomes.
• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them or their whānau to make positive changes.
• Work with various cultural groups and people from different backgrounds.
• Complete initial safety checks and assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Holding a hui; supporting whānau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi.
• Be involved in planning interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their whānau.
• Work alongside partners in our community, non-government organisations and state sector agencies.
• Be an advocate on behalf of tamariki and rangatahi to ensure they have the support and resources needed to reach their full potential.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu|What you will bring

• A full, clean New Zealand driver's licence.
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and the ability to obtain a practising certificate prior to your start date.
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• A positive attitude and the ability to influence and empower our tamariki and rangatahi.
• Empathy, patience, and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt to your audience.
• Great written skills as you will need to prepare social work plans, write court reports, case notes and other documents.
• Strong analytical skills and an ability to assess tamariki and rangatahi changing needs.
• Ability to manage risk and make tough decisions.

Nōu te rourou|What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure, Annual remuneration for this position starts between $81,206 to $97,557 dependant on experience.

• A challenging, fascinating, and highly rewarding career with many opportunities for professional development and building your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforce.
• Ongoing training, regular supervision to support you in achieving your personal and professional goals and annual SWRB practice certificate fees paid for the duration of employment with Oranga Tamariki.
• Colleagues who are united in their commitment to the highest standards of relational, inclusive, and restorative social work practice.

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

Applications for this role close at midnight 23rd October 2026.