Social Worker - Nelson (Fixed Term till June 2027)

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Nelson is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to help improve outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi. You will join a team with a strong inclusive culture, ensuring tamariki voices are heard and families are supported to make positive changes.

Key requirements include SWRB registration, a recognised social work qualification, a current driver’s licence, and experience in child protection.

Qualifications

• Full registration with New Zealand Social Worker 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Sound judgement

Organisational skills

Risk management

Analytical ability

Education

Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB

Full NZ driver’s licence

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. 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.

Fixed Term role available till 30 June 2027. Position will be based at our Nelson Site. We’re 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 NewZealand 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 NewZealand'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 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!

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.