Social Worker - Nelson

Oranga Tamariki; Nelson; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Professional development

Inclusive workplace

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Nelson seeks qualified and registered social workers dedicated to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. You will join a team focused on hearing young people, supporting whānau, and collaborating with hapū, iwi and community partners to provide safe, supportive care.

The role requires full SWRB registration, a valid NZ driver's licence, and experience in child protection.

Qualifications

• Full SWRB registration and current practicing certificate (NZ)
• Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB
• Valid NZ driver's licence
• Experience in child protection sector (NZ)
• Ability to analyse and prepare social work plans
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Responsibilities

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them or their whānau to make positive changes
• Work with diverse cultural groups and communities
• Complete full assessments on tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
• Facilitate hui to support whānau in caring for tamariki
• Plan and deliver interventions to maintain tamariki within their whānau
• Collaborate with community partners and state agencies
• Advocate for tamariki and rangatahi to access resources and support

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Sound judgement

Risk management

Communication

Cultural engagement

Education

Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB

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.

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.

• Position will be based at our Nelson Site
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience

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 puttingtamarikifirst, we believearohais vital, we respect themanaof people, we aretikaandpono, we valuewhakapapaand we recognise thatoranga 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
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and Current practicing 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 12th November 2026! However we will be reviewing CV's and interviewing as we go so get your application in today as we will close the role if the right candidate is found

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.

Location(s) Nelson

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