Social Worker - Ōtepoti Site

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

Job summary

A governmental organization in Dunedin is looking for an experienced Social Worker to support tamariki and rangatahi with complex needs. You will provide high-quality social work services, advocate for children, and work with families and external agencies to ensure positive outcomes. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment focused on well-being and professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous benefits

Training and professional development

Flexible work options

Qualifications

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB).
• A strong commitment to strength-based practice.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support tamariki and rangatahi to make positive changes.
• Work with various cultural groups.
• Conduct safety checks and assessments.

Skills

Communication skills

Resilience

Problem solving

Teamwork

Cultural understanding

Education

Social Work qualification recognized by SWRB

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Permanent, fulltime position available. Position will cover our Ōtepoti Site in the Dunedin region.

We’re offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience.

In this role you’ll be working with and supporting tamariki and rangatahi who have high and complex needs within our community. We need people who have knowledge, experience and who are deeply passionate about whānau wellbeing. We acknowledge that there is much work to do but we are up for it. If you think you have what it takes, then apply to join our team in Dunedin. Our Site works hard to do things differently within the foundation of a whānau led approach focused on awhi and supporting whānau in mana-enhancing ways.

About the role

In this role, you will be delivering high-level evidence based and quality social work services where you will be working in partnership with tamariki, their families along with external agencies and communities. You will be providing assessment and establishing programmes to identify the best outcomes for all stakeholders.

Our team of practitioners are a group who work closely together in supporting Oranga Tamariki in delivering positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.

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 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 potential

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Social Worker who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role in a non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and/or someone who has worked within Oranga Tamariki previously.

Key requirements of the role include:

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A strong and genuine commitment to strength-based practice
• A full, clean, current driver's licence (historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
• 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

About us | Ngā mōu

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 of 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.

What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou

In return we provide a fascinating, rewarding and committed team environment where we offer a competitive salary and generous benefits. We are a vibrant and supportive team, there are 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. Oranga 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.

How to Apply

Apply 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. Hurry as applications close on Tuesday 16 September 2025. Please note we will be reviewing CVs and inviting preferred candidates to interview so get in quick. 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.