Social Worker - Taumaranui

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children in Taumarunui invites experienced social workers to join our team. This permanent full-time role focuses on protecting and supporting tamariki and whānau, with emphasis on assessments and planning to improve outcomes.

You will work across communities, partners, and iwi, delivering culturally responsive care. We offer a competitive NZD salary from 81,206 to 97,557 depending on experience, a supportive environment, training, and opportunities to grow in a

Qualifications

• Full registration with SWRB and current practising certificate.
• Social work qualification recognised by SWRB.
• Full, clean New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Recent experience in child protection or related social work.
• Ability to analyse and prepare social work plans.
• Sound judgement and strong organisational skills.
• Ability to manage risk and make tough decisions.
• Strong relationship-building and 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 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.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Relationship building

Risk management

Decision making

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Cultural sensitivity

Team collaboration

Education

SWRB registration

Social work qualification recognised by SWRB

Job description

• Permanent full-time position available
• Position will be based at our Taumarunui Site
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557 depending on experience

About the role | Mō te tūnga

In 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 ōu

The 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 rourou

We 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 us

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.

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.

Applications close on Thursday, 12 November 2026.