Social Worker - Porirua

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Wellbeing focus

Professional development opportunities

SWRB/ANZASW membership fees covered

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children invites social workers to join our Porirua and Kapiti Coast team, working across sites to support tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau. You will complete assessments, collaborate with Iwi and partner agencies, and contribute to planned interventions to keep tamariki safe within whānau.

We value iwi partnerships, tangata whenua engagement, and flexible work options, with a strong commitment to wellbeing and professional development.

Qualifications

• Full registration with NZ Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or eligible to apply.
• Social work qualification recognised by SWRB.
• Current NZ driver's licence (full, clean).
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with.
• Experience within the child protection sector, preferably in NZ.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive assessments of tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau—often with partner agencies and Iwi.
• Facilitate hui, empowering whānau to strengthen their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi.
• Plan and deliver interventions that support tamariki and rangatahi to remain safely within their whānau; some cases involve Manaaki/FGC planning.
• Work with other Oranga Tamariki sites, as well as community and government agencies.
• Support tamariki in Care and those transitioning out of Care into long-term arrangements or independent living.

Skills

Empathy and patience

Verbal communication

Written communication

Risk management

Judgement and organisation

Experience in child protection

Social work planning

Education

NZ SWRB registration or eligible to apply

SW RB-recognised social work qualification

Job description

• Permanent full-time oppurtunities as a social worker


• Join our vibrant multi-cultural office based in Porirua, However you will work across Porirua City and Kāpiti Coast District


• Looking for experienced and early in career/4th year Social Worker students who are near finalising their studies

About the Role | Mō te tūnga

Across our sites in Porirua and Kāpiti, we are working with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to make positive changes in our community. We need people who have knowledge, experience and who are deeply passionate about whānau wellbeing.

At our Porirua site, we work closely with Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira (Iwi) and have established a community response for our mahi called Hapori. In the Hapori are Taeaomanino Trust, Wesley Community Action, Porirua Whānau Centre, and Iwi. We continue to also look at ways to work with our Kapiti community

As a Social Worker, you will:

• Complete comprehensive assessments of tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau — often in collaboration with partner agencies and Iwi


• Facilitate hui, focusing on empowering whānau to strengthen their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi


• Plan and deliver interventions that support tamariki and rangatahi to remain safely within their whānau. A small cohort will have their FGC or Manaaki plans monitored in partnership with Hapori and/or Iwi


• Work with other Oranga Tamariki sites, as well as other community and government agencies


• Support tamariki in Care and those transitioning out of Care into long-term care arrangements or independent living

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 puttingtamarikifirst, we believearohais vital, we respect the mana of people, we aretikaandpono, we valuewhakapapaand we recognise thatorangais a journey.

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or eligible to apply


• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB


• A full, clean, NZ current driver's licence


• 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

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 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. We also offer:

• A competitive market salary between $81,206 to $97,557 dependant on exp


• A challenging, fascinating, and highly rewarding career with many opportunities for professional development and building your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforce


• Ongoing training, regular supervision to support you in achieving your personal and professional goals and annual fees paid for your SWRB/ANZASW membership


• Colleagues who are united in their commitment to the highest standards of relational, inclusive, and restorative social work practice


• Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure

Applications close: Midnight 10 November 2026 - We will be reviewing CV's as we go so get your applications in now as we may close the role early if the right candidates are secured

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 influence of drugs and alcohol.