Social Worker - Timaru

New Zealand Government Joba; Timaru; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki is seeking a qualified, registered and experienced social worker for a permanent role at our Timaru site. You will work directly with tamariki and rangatahi, collaborating with whānau and other services to ensure safety and wellbeing.

The role prioritises culturally responsive practice and partnership with communities. Applicants must hold SWRB registration, a NZ social work qualification, and a current driver's license.

Qualifications

• 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 and flexibility
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Understanding cross-cultural practices, knowledge of Māori and Pacific peoples' culture

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with tamariki, rangatahi, and wh nau to assess needs and risks
• Collaborate with police and community agencies for coordinated support
• Develop sustainable, culturally responsive safety plans for children and families
• Provide high-quality documentation and reporting to support case management
• Contribute to a positive team environment and professional development

Skills

Communication

Time management

Resilience

Flexibility

Education

SWRB-registered Social Worker

SWRB-qualified

Tools

MS Office

Job description

We have a full-time position availableThis role is based at our Timaru SiteAnnual 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 wh nau 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 wh nau led approach focused on awhi and supporting wh nau in mana-enhancing waysMo te tunga | About the roleThis 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 wh nau 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 wh nau. If you're dedicated to fostering positive change within our community and believe you have what it takes, we want to hear from you!Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bringTo 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 M ori, and Pacific peoples' cultureNou te rourou | What's in it for youOur 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 thriveCentral location close to lots of eateries and shopsOpportunity 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/Mo m tou | About usOranga 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 hapu, iwi and M ori 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 pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApply 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 [e-mail] 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 foundIf 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.