Social Worker - Taupo

Oranga Tamariki; Taupo; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki in Taupo seeks an experienced Social Worker to support tamariki and rangatahi and their whānau. You will undertake assessments, plan interventions and work with diverse communities to safeguard tamariki wellbeing.

The role requires SWRB registration, a NZ driver licence, and experience in child protection. You will collaborate with community partners and advocate for tamariki to access necessary resources.

Qualifications

• Full registration with New Zealand Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and current practicing certificate.
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Full, clean New Zealand 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.
• Able to analyse and prepare social work and other plans (e.g., financial).
• Sound judgement and strong organisational skills.
• Ability to manage risk and make tough decisions.

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 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

Patience

Analytical skills

Risk management

Organisation

Sound judgement

Education

SWRB registration and current practicing certificate

Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB

NZ driver licence (full, clean)

Job description

About therole | 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 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

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.

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and Current practicing certificate
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• Full, clean New Zealand Drivers license
• Recent and relevant experience with Oranga Tamariki and one of our Social Worker roles
• 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

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.

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 tamarikifirst, we believe arohais vital, we respect themanaof people, we aretikaandpono, we valuewhakapapaand we recognise thatorangais a journey.

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.

Applications close on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

• Position will be based at our Taupo Site
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557 depending on experience

Location(s) Taupō