Social Worker - Regional Response Team (Multiple Locations)

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking two social workers to join the Regional Response Team. You will be based in Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū, or Horowhenua and will travel to sites with increased demand to support tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau.

We value a genuine, strengths-based approach, strong cultural competence, and the ability to work in partnership with iwi, hapū, and communities across the region.

Qualifications

• Full SWRB registration (or eligible to register soon).
• Recognised social work qualification.
• Genuine, strengths-based practice approach.
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Unwavering commitment to working in partnership with whānau.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel regularly across the region.

Responsibilities

• Complete thorough safety and risk assessments
• Lead hui with care and confidence
• Design tailored, strengths-based, and culturally aligned plans
• Uplift the mana of whānau through every interaction
• Work in true partnership with iwi, hapū, Māori, community groups and government agencies to create meaningful Whakapapa.

Skills

Communication skills

Resilience

Cultural competence

Education

Recognised social work qualification

Full SWRB registration (or eligibility)

Job description

• Join our regional response team and be based in either Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū, or Horowhenua.
• We are offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience.

Mō te tůnga | The Role

We are seeking two dedicated social workers to join out newly established Regional Response Team to provide critical support wherever it is needed most. While you may be based in Taranaki, Manawatš, Whanganui, or Horowhenua, you will work across the wider region, travelling to sites experiencing increased demand. Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to travel and spend time away from your home site is essential to the role. By providing responsive support across locations, you will ensure tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau receive the right support at the right time.

Join our dynamic team, providing high-quality Social Work that stands for the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi, walking alongside whānau as they navigate uncertainty, transformation and growth. You will bring aroha, clarity and optimism while maintaining mana.

You will:

• Complete thorough safety and risk assessments
• Lead hui with care and confidence
• Design tailored, strengths-based, and culturally aligned plans
• Uplift the mana of whānau through every interaction
• Work in true partnership with iwi, hapš, āori, community groups, and fellow government agencies to create enduring, meaningful Whakapapa.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

In this role, you do not just give - you grow.

You will be part of a values-led, purpose-driven organisation that offers:

• Acompetitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Flexible working arrangementsand wellbeing supports
• Ongoingkaupapa āori learningand professional development
• A workplace that respects, reflects, and celebratesdiversity, inclusion and te ao Māori

Ngā ššmanawatanga ŏu | What you will bring

We are looking for people with the heart and skill to lead in this space - whether you are a seasoned professional or newly registered.

You will have:

• Full SWRB registration (or eligibility to register in the near future)
• A recognised social work qualification
• A genuine, strengths-based practice approach
• A full, clean New Zealand driver's licence (historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
• An unwavering commitment to working in partnership with whānau
• The flexibility and willingness to travel regularly across the region to support sites with the greatest service needs

Also valuable:

• Experience in statutory social work (preferred but not essential)
• Strong communication, resilience, and cultural competence
• Knowledge oftikanga āoriandPasifika cultures
• Solid documentation and digital literacy skills

Mō mātou | About Oranga Tamariki

Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Childrenis grounded in the belief thatevery tamaiti deserves a loving, safe, and supported life. Our values guide us:

• Aroha- we care deeply
• Whakapapa- we honour connections
• Mana- we uphold the dignity of all
• Tika & Pono - we do what is right, with integrity
• Oranga- we journey toward wellbeing, together

We are committed to building genuine partnerships with iwi, hapš and āori communities - ensuring tamariki and whānau are at the centre of all we do.

Applications close: Thursday 29th October 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.