Social Worker - Timaru

New Zealand Government Joba; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Central location

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Timaru is seeking a qualified social worker to support tamariki and rangatahi within families and communities. You will work directly with whānau to assess needs, develop safety plans and coordinate services with partner agencies, ensuring a whānau-led approach.

Applicants must be fully registered with SWRB, hold a relevant social work qualification, and possess a clean driver’s licence.

Qualifications

• Full registration with New Zealand's SWRB.
• SWRB-recognised social work qualification.
• Valid, clean driver’s licence.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated resilience, problem solving and flexibility.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to assess needs and risks.
• Collaborate with whānau, police and community services to coordinate support.

Skills

SWRB registration

Driver's licence

Communication

Time management

Cross-cultural awareness

MS Office

Education

Social work degree (SWRB-recognised)

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

# Social Worker - Timaru at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Canterbury## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* **We have a full-time position available*** **This role is based at our Timaru Site*** **Annual remuneration for this position ranges between $81,206.00 and $97,557.00, depending on experience.**The wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi is everyone's responsibility. They deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau and community.We acknowledge that there is much work to do but we are up for it. If you think you have what it takes, then apply to join our team and the journey Oranga Tamariki is on. We're looking for qualified, registered, and experienced social workers who want to make a real difference by putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything they do.Our Site works hard to do things collaboratively within the foundation of a whānau led approach focused on awhi and supporting whānau in mana-enhancing ways**Mō te tūnga | About the role**This role is a permanent position at our Timaru site, so if you are looking at starting your Social Work career, or are an experienced Social Worker ready for a change - this is an excellent opportunity for you!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.In this dynamic position, you'll have the privilege of engaging directly with our community, working closely with whānau and collaborating with other social services to ensure a cohesive approach in meeting their needs. Our focus is on establishing sustainable support systems that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of tamariki within their whānau. If you're dedicated to fostering positive change within our community and believe you have what it takes, we want to hear from you!**Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring**To be successful in this highly rewarding role, you will bring:* Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) • A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB • A full, clean, current driver's licence • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Demonstrated resilience, problem solving techniques and flexibility • Excellent time management and organisational skills • Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills • Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture**Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you**Our team work alongside police and community agencies, and 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.We also offer:* Supportive team and work environment to support you to grow and thrive* Central location close to lots of eateries and shops* Opportunity to build your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforceTo 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.We are committed to putting 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.**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply**Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about role, please contact info\\[e-mail]**Applications close: 7th October 2026!** However we will be reviewing CVs and interviewing as we go so get your applications in today as we will close the role early if the preferred candidate is found