Social Worker - Taumaranui

New Zealand Government; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children is seeking an experienced Social Worker to positively impact the lives of children and families. You will complete assessments, engage with tamariki and whānau, and plan interventions with partners to support safe and thriving communities.

The role requires full SWRB registration, a NZ driver licence, and prior NZ experience in child protection. Applicants from NGO sector or with Oranga Tamariki experience are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and a current practising certificate.
• A social work qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Full, clean New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Recent and relevant experience in child protection, care and protection, or a related social work environment.
• Experience in NGO sector and/or with Oranga Tamariki.

Responsibilities

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support whānau to make positive changes.
• Complete full assessments on tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Be able to hold a hui to support 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 the 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.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Judgement/Decision making

Relationship building

Cultural awareness

Patience

Education

SWRB registration

SWRB-recognised social work degree

Job description

Permanent full-time position availablePosition will be based at our Taumarunui SiteWe're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557 depending on experienceAbout the role | Mō te tūngaIn order to make positive changes in the lives of children and families in our community, we need people like you who have knowledge, experience and are passionate about the wellbeing of children. Join a team with big hearts and a passion for getting things right for its children, young people and community. You can be part of a positive and supportive team and help children and young people be safe, strong and thrive.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 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 ōuThe ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Social Worker who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role within the NGO sector and/or has previous experience working with Oranga Tamariki.Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and a current practising certificate.A social work qualification recognised by the SWRB.Full, clean New Zealand Driver Licence.Recent and relevant experience in child protection, care and protection, or a related social work environment.Empathy, patience, and the ability to see past what someone may be struggling with.Experience within the child protection sector, preferably within New Zealand.The ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans.Able to demonstrate sound judgement and organisational skills.The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions.Strong relationship-building and communication skills.What's in it for you | Nōu te rourouWe offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer 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: https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/Mō mātou | About usOranga 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.How to Apply | Me pēhea te tuku tonoApply online with your CV and Cover 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 the role, please contact [e-mail] close on Thursday, 12 November 2026.However, we will be reviewing CVs and interviewing as we go, so get your application in today as we may close the role early if the preferred candidate is selected!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.