Social Worker - Taupo

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a Social Worker to join our Taupo site. You will engage with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, complete assessments and plan interventions to support safe, thriving families.

Ideal candidates will hold SWRB registration, a recognized social work qualification, and a full NZ driver’s license. Strong empathy, sound judgement and resilience are essential in NZ’s child-protection context.

Qualifications

• Full SWRB registration and current practising certificate.
• Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB.
• Full, clean New Zealand Driver's license.
• Experience in NZ NGO sector or Oranga Tamariki.
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with.
• Experience in child protection sector, ideally NZ.
• Ability to analyse and prepare social work plans.

Responsibilities

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support whānau to make positive changes.
• Work with diverse cultural groups and backgrounds.
• Complete full assessments on tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Hold and facilitate hui to support whānau caring for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Plan and deliver interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within whānau.
• Collaborate with community partners and state sector agencies.
• Advocate for tamariki and rangatahi to access necessary resources.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Analytical ability

Judgement

Organisation

Risk management

Education

SWRB registration (full)

Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB

NZ Driver's license (full, clean)

Tools

NZ Driver's license

Job description

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

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.

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 themanaof people, we aretikaandpono, we valuewhakapapaand we recognise thatorangais a journey.

Applications close on 6 October 2026.

Location(s) Taupō

Expertise Social Work, Care Services, Management, Other, Services for children and families, Youth Justice