Social Worker - Waitakere

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in New Zealand is seeking a permanent, full-time Social Worker for our Waitakere/Henderson Care & Protection team. You will work with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to support whānau wellbeing and positive change.

The role requires SWRB registration, a recognised social work qualification, a current Annual Practising Certificate, a full driver’s licence, and strong communication and report-writing skills.

Qualifications

• Registration with SWRB and a current Annual Practising Certificate.
• SW RB-recognised social worker qualification.
• Strong commitment to strength-based practice.
• Full, clean, current driver's licence.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Resilience, problem solving and flexibility.
• Strong PC and MS Office skills with report writing.
• Authentic commitment to working alongside whānau.
• Soft skills, empathy, teamwork and leadership.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices; knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.

Responsibilities

• Work with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to support wellbeing and positive change.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Resilience and problem solving

Teamwork and leadership

Cross-cultural awareness

Empathy and soft skills

Report writing

Tikanga Māori knowledge

Pacific cultures knowledge

Driver's licence

MS Office Suite

Education

SWRB registration

SWRB-recognised social worker qualification

Annual Practising Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

• Permanent, fulltime Social Worker positions available
• Work with our Waitakere / Henderson Care & Protection team
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience

Mō te šŭŋ | About the role

Across our sites we are working with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to make positive changes in our community. We need people who have knowledge, experience and who are deeply passionate about whānau wellbeing.

Our Waitakere site works hard to do things differently within the foundation of a whānau led approach focused on awhi and supporting whānau in mana-enhancing ways. We acknowledge that there is much work to do but we are up for it.

Ngć ťŮarŋnċa ŋn | What you will bring

Ideally you will have sound social work experience to contribute and build on and some other key requirements of these positions are:

• Registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and a current Annual Practicing 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

Mō ŋŋ | 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.

Nŋŋ te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package ranging from $81,206 to $97,557 depending on experience and offer 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 will close on 20th September 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