Social Worker - Masterton

Oranga Tamariki; Masterton District; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration with progression

Professional development opportunities

SWRB practising certificate fees paid

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Masterton is seeking a permanent Social Worker to join their team. You will meet tamariki, rangatahi, and families, assess needs, and develop intervention plans in collaboration with whānau and partners.

The role emphasizes safeguarding, advocacy, and working with diverse communities. A driver’s licence, SWRB registration, and a recognised SW degree are required, with a supportive environment and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Social worker registration with the SWRB and ability to obtain practising certificate before start date.
• Social Work qualification recognised by SWRB.
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Positive attitude and ability to empower tamariki and rangatahi.
• Excellent verbal communication and strong written skills.

Responsibilities

• Meet tamariki, rangatahi and families, assess needs, and develop intensive intervention plans.
• Conduct safety checks and initial assessments.
• Plan interventions and participate in family group conferences and hui-ā-whānau.
• Collaborate with community groups, iwi, and partner agencies to improve outcomes.
• Advocate for tamariki and rangatahi to access needed resources and support.
• Prepare social work plans, court reports, and case notes with clarity.

Education

Social Work qualification recognised by the SWRB

Full registration with New Zealand SWRB

NZ driver’s licence

Job description

• 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.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to puttingtamarikiand rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim todemonstratethese values:

• We putTamarikifirst
• We believe Arohais vital
• We respect the Manaof people
• We are TikaandPono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Orangais 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 findappropriate solutionsfortamarikiin need.

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As part of our team, you will spend your day meeting with tamariki, rangatahi and their family and wh-ak listening to what they have to say, completing assessments of need, formulating intensive intervention plans, participating in hui-ā-wh-an, 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 wh-an 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 wh-an
• Holding a hui; supporting wh-an to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
• Be involved in planning interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their wh-an
• 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
• 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

N-u 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.

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

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol."

Reference # 42460

Posted on 08 Oct 2026

Closes on 23 Oct 2026 23:55

Location(s) Masterton

Expertise Social Work, Care Services, Management, Other, Services for children and families, Youth Justice