Social Worker - Te Kaipara

Oranga Tamariki; New Zealand; Remote; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki invites applications for a Social Worker role based in Dargaville, Kaipara District. You will work with whānau and partners to safeguard tamariki wellbeing and support positive family outcomes.

The role requires SWRB registration, a current practising certificate, and a strong commitment to strength-based practice. Join a collaborative community-focused team that values cultural competence, resilience, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Full registration with NZ SWRB and annual practising certificate.
• Social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Commitment to strength-based practice and culturally inclusive work.
• Full, clean driver’s licence and excellent communication skills.
• Resilience, problem-solving and flexibility are essential.

Responsibilities

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support their whānau to make positive changes.
• Collaborate with cultural groups and partners from diverse backgrounds.
• Complete initial safety checks and assessments on tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Hold hui and support whānau to grow their capacity to care for tamariki.
• Plan interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their whānau.
• Work with community partners and state agencies; advocate for tamariki needs.

Skills

Social work

Cross-cultural awareness

Communication skills

Leadership

Resilience

Education

SWRB-registered social worker

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

• 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.

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 therole

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

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.

Applications for this role close on 4th October 2026

Location(s) Dargaville