Social Worker - Onehunga

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki–Ministry for Children in Auckland seeks experienced social workers for permanent positions at the Onehunga site. The role offers a competitive annual remuneration starting between $81,206 and $97,557, depending on experience.

The job focuses on tamariki and rangatahi welfare, working with whānau and national partners to deliver joined-up support while upholding tikanga and cultural integrity. A strong commitment to strength-based practice and effective communication is essential.

Qualifications

• SWRB registration is required for practice.
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB is essential.
• Strong commitment to strength-based practice and client wellbeing.
• Valid driver’s licence is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work with diverse cultural groups and families.

Responsibilities

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them and their whānau to make positive changes.
• Engage with diverse cultural groups and people from different backgrounds.
• Complete initial safety checks and assessments on tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Hold hui and support whānau to grow their capacity to care for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Be involved in planning interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their whānau.
• Collaborate with community partners, NGOs and state agencies to coordinate care.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Resilience

Cultural awareness

Education

SWRB-recognised social work qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

We are seeking qualified and experienced social workers to join us in permanent positions based at the Onehunga site. This position is offering a competitive annual renumeration for this position starting between $81,206 and $97,557, depending on experience.

Onehunga site is made up of a diverse staff group that work hard but have fun at the same time. If you are looking for a supportive environment to grow your practice, come and join us. We are looking for empathy, resilience and honesty.

Mō te tūunga| About therole

In this busy role you will have the privilege to work in our community, with whānau and closely with other social services to ensure a joined-up response to meeting the needs of the whānau we are working with. We work hard to engage sustainable support that will keep tamariki safe and in the care of their whānau first and foremost. So, if you think you have what it takes, and you are dedicated to supporting whānau with achieving positive change in our community, then we want to hear from 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 initial safety checks and assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
• Holding a hui; supporting whānau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
• Be involved in planning 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 potentially

Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Social Worker who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role a non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and/or someone who has worked within Oranga Tamariki previously however all experiences and graduates are encouraged to apply

Key requirements of the role include:

• Registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and a current Annual Practicing Certificate
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A strong and genuine commitment to strength-based practice
• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated resilience, problem solving techniques and flexibility
• Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills
• An authentic commitment to working alongside whānau is essential
• Soft skills, emotional empathy, teamwork and leadership.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture
• We welcome senior practitioners to apply
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture

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 hapūu, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment of puttingtamarikifirst, we believearohais vital, we respect themanaof people, we aretikaandpono, we valuewhakapapaand we recognise thatorangais a journey.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant 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 for this role close on 11th 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