Social Worker Nelson

New Zealand Government; Nelson; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children seeks qualified social workers to put tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of all we do. Based at our Nelson site, these fulltime permanent roles offer a supportive team and a genuine commitment to wellbeing.

Join a vibrant New Zealand public service, contribute to safeguarding tamariki, and work with whānau and communities to achieve lasting outcomes. Salary starts from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Full registration with NZ Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and current practising certificate.
• Social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Experience with Oranga Tamariki and social worker roles in NZ.
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with.
• Experience in child protection, preferably in NZ.
• Ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans (e.g. financial).
• Sound judgement and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage risk and make tough decisions.

Responsibilities

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support whānau to make positive changes.
• Work with diverse cultural groups and people from different backgrounds.
• Complete full assessments on tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Facilitate a hui to support whānau to grow their capacity to care for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Plan and deliver interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their whānau.
• Work with community partners, NGOs and state sector agencies.
• Advocate on behalf of tamariki and rangatahi to ensure they have the support and resources needed.

Skills

SWRB Registration

SWRB Practising Certificate

Social Work Qualification

Driver's Licence

Oranga Tamariki Experience

Empathy & Patience

Child Protection Experience

Analytical Skills

Risk Management

Judgement & Organisation

Job description

The wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi is everyone's responsibility. They deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau and community.

If these words capture why, you became a Social Worker, then you belong on the journey we have begun at Oranga Tamariki.

We're looking for qualified and registered social workers who want to make a real difference by putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything they do.

Fulltime Permanent positions available. Position will be based at our Nelson Site. Sunny Nelson offers stunning beaches, lush national parks, and a vibrant arts scene. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, it boasts hiking, biking, kayaking, and world-class wineries. With great schools, a strong community, and a relaxed lifestyle, Nelson is ideal for balancing work and play. We are offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. Our vision is to ensure 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. Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment 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.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

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 with a strong inclusive culture where your voice will be heard, and your colleagues will always be there to support you.

• 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 full assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
• Be able to hold and facilitate a hui, with a focus on supporting whānau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
• Be involved in planning and delivering 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

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and Current practising certificate
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Recent and relevant experience with Oranga Tamariki and one of our Social Worker roles
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
• Experience within the child protection sector, preferably within NZ
• The ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans e.g. financial
• Able to demonstrate sound judgement and organisational skills
• The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions

What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer 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. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of Tamariki and Rangatahi.

Applications close: Midnight 27th September 2026!