Social Worker - Masterton

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

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training and supervision

SWRB certificate fees paid

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children in Masterton is seeking a permanent Social Worker to join our team. You will meet with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to assess needs, develop intensive intervention plans and participate in hui-whānau and family group conferences.

You will hold full NZ driver’s licence and SWRB registration, with a practising certificate prior to start. The role requires empathy, strong communication, and risk-management skills in a collaborative, culturally diverse

Qualifications

• Full New Zealand driver’s licence
• Registration with New Zealand Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and ability to obtain practising certificate before start date
• Positive attitude with ability to influence and empower tamariki and rangatahi
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
• Excellent verbal and strong written communication skills

Responsibilities

• Meet with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to listen to needs and complete assessments
• Formulate intensive intervention plans and participate in hui-ā-whānau and family group conferences
• Partner with hapū, iwi and community organisations to improve outcomes
• Advocate on behalf of tamariki and rangatahi to ensure they have support and resources to reach their potential
• Be involved in planning interventions to keep tamariki and rangatahi within their whānau
• Work with community and state agencies to support clients holistically

Skills

Empathy

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Risk management

Education

Social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB

Job description

Permanent Social Worker Role AvailableMasterton SiteSalary starts between $81,206 to $97,557 dependant on experienceOur 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.Mo m tou | About usOranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:We put Tamariki firstWe believe Aroha is vitalWe respect the Mana of peopleWe are Tika and PonoWe value WhakapapaWe recognise that Oranga is a journeyWe 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 hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.Mo te tunga | About the roleAs part of our team, you will spend your day meeting with tamariki, rangatahi and their family and wh nau listening to what they have to say, completing assessments of need, formulating intensive intervention plans, participating in hui- -wh nau, 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 nau to make positive changesWork with various cultural groups and people from different backgroundsComplete initial safety checks and assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and wh nauHolding a hui; supporting wh nau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahiBe involved in planning interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their wh nauWork alongside partners in our community, non-government organisations and state sector agenciesBe an advocate on behalf of tamariki and rangatahi to ensure they have the support and resources needed to reach their full potentialNg pumanawatanga ou | What you will bringA full, clean New Zealand driver's licenceFull registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and the ability to obtain a practising certificate prior to your start dateA social worker qualification recognised by the SWRBA positive attitude and the ability to influence and empower our tamariki and rangatahiEmpathy, patience, and ability to see past what someone may be struggling withExcellent verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt to your audienceGreat written skills as you will need to prepare social work plans, write court reports, case notes and other documentsStrong analytical skills and an ability to assess tamariki and rangatahi changing needsAbility to manage risk and make tough decisionsNou te rourou | What's in it for youOranga 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 workforceOngoing 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 TamarikiColleagues 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/Me pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.If you have any questions about role, please contact [e-mail] for this role close at midnight 23rd October 2026.Please note: we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!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.\"