Social Worker - Part time

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Tokoroa is seeking a part-time social worker to support tamariki and rangatahi and their whānau. You will conduct assessments, advocate, and collaborate with community partners to deliver timely interventions.

The role focuses on hearing voices, culturally responsive practice, and planning for the safety and wellbeing of tamariki. A driver’s licence, NZ-SWRB registration, and practising certificate are essential.

Qualifications

• Full, clean driver's licence.
• Full registration with NZ's SWRB and current practising certificate.
• Demonstrated empathy, patience and ability to see beyond client struggles.
• Experience in NZ child protection or NGO sector preferred.
• Ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans.
• Sound judgement and strong organisational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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 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

Driver’s license

SWRB registration

Practising certificate

Empathy

NZ child protection experience

Risk management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Judgement & organisation

Job description

Are you looking to make a difference?

Our belief is that in the right environment, with the right people surrounding and nurturing them, any child can and should flourish. We are dedicated to supporting any child in New Zealand whose wellbeing is at significant risk of harm now, or in the future.

• Improve the lives of tamariki and rangatahi and carry out meaningful work that makes a difference
• Part-Time 20 Hours a week / Tokoroa Location
• Competitive salary, including a post‑graduate initiative, starting from $81,206 - $97,557, depending on experience

We have a brilliant opportunity for you to be part our amazing Service Delivery team!

Join our team based in our Tokoroa site; we have an exciting opportunity for a social worker to join our team on a Part‑time basis! If you are passionate about improving the lives of tamariki and rangatahi and carrying out meaningful work that makes a difference, this could be the opportunity for you!

About the role | Mō te tūnga

• 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

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

• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• Current practising certificate
• 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
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
• Great written skills as you will need to write court reports, case notes and other documents
• A positive outlook and supporting nature

About us | Mō mātou

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

We are committed to ensuring that 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.

We are committed 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.

What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou

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.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Applications for this role close at midnight on 1st October 2026.