Social Worker - Te Kaipara

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Professional development

Wellbeing focus

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a dedicated social worker to join our Te Kaipara Site in Dargaville. You will work with whānau and tamariki to ensure safety, support, and positive outcomes within the broader community.

You will engage with diverse communities, conduct assessments, and collaborate with whānau, iwi, hapū, NGOs and state agencies to deliver a joined-up response. A strong commitment to child-first principles is essential.

Qualifications

• Full registration with New Zealand Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and an annual practising certificate.
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Strong commitment to strength-based practice.
• Valid, full driver’s licence.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them or their whānau to make positive changes.
• Work with diverse cultural groups and people from different backgrounds.
• Complete initial safety checks and assessments on tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Hold hui; support whānau to grow their capacity to care for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Plan interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their whānau.
• Collaborate with partners in our community, NGOs and state sector agencies.
• Advocate on behalf of tamariki and rangatahi to ensure access to support and resources.

Skills

Communication

Cultural awareness

Teamwork

Leadership

Microsoft Office

Education

SWRB-registered Social Worker qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Permanent full-time position available
• Based at our Te Kaipara Site
• We're offering a competitive annual remuneration for this position starting between $81,206 and $97,557 dependant on experience
  

Part of the Kaipara district, Dargaville is a home to just over five thousand people and growing. With house prices significantly dropping affordability in Dargaville is an ideal place to buy up and raise your family. Enjoy the beaches, fishing spots, camp sites, kai iwi lake, bush walks, we take work life balance in Dargaville seriously.

We have strong community relationships here that work alongside our social workers, and best of all, people like working here, therefore consideration of a relocation package may be discussed to the successful applicant.

Mō mātou | About us

Our vision is to ensure 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.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment of putting children 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.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

In this busy role you will have the privilege to work in our community, with whānau and closely with other social services to ensure a joined‑up response to meeting the needs of the whānau we are working with. We work hard to engage sustainable support that will keep tamariki safe and in the care of their whānau first and foremost. So, if you think you have what it takes, and you are dedicated to supporting whānau with achieving positive change in our community, then we want to hear from you.

• 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 initial safety checks and assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
• Holding a hui; supporting whānau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
• Be involved in planning 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 potentially

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Social Worker who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role a non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and/or someone who has worked within Oranga Tamariki previously however all experiences and graduates are encouraged to apply

Key requirements of the role include:

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) as well as an annual practising certificate
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A strong and genuine commitment to strength‑based practice
• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated resilience, problem solving techniques and flexibility
• Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills
• An authentic commitment to working alongside whānau is essential
• Soft skills, emotional empathy, teamwork and leadership.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross‑cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture
• We welcome senior practitioners to apply

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant 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

Applications for this role close on 4th 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.