Social Worker - Waitakere

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking passionate Social Workers for the Waitakere region (Henderson Care & Protection team). Permanent, full-time roles, competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557 depending on experience.

You will work with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to support wellbeing, with SWRB registration required, a current APC, and a valid full driver’s licence. The role offers training, development and a collaborative team environment in West Auckland.

Qualifications

• Registration with NZ Social Work Registration Board and a current Annual Practising Certificate.
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Commitment to strength-based practice and whānau wellbeing.
• Full, clean, current driver’s licence.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with whānau, hapū and Māori organisations.

Responsibilities

• Work with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to make positive changes in the community.
• Contribute to a whānau-led approach focused on awhi and mana-enhancing outcomes.

Skills

SWRB Registration

APC

Social Work Qualification

Driver's Licence

Communication Skills

Report Writing

Cross-cultural Practice

Team Leadership

Education

SWRB Registered Social Worker

SWRB-Approved Qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Reporting Tools

Job description

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

Mō te tūnga| About therole

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.

OurWaitakere 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.

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

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 puttingtamarikifirst, we believearohais vital, we respect themanaof people, we aretikaandpono, we valuewhakapapaand we recognise thatorangais a journey.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package ranging from$81,206 to$97,557 dependingon 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 https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

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

Location(s) West Auckland

Expertise Social Work, Care Services, Management, Other, Services for children and families, Youth Justice