Social Worker - Wellington ##

Open Home Foundation; Lower Hutt; On-site; NZD 68,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The Open Home Foundation is expanding its Wellington team and seeks a Social Worker to work with tamariki, rangatahi, whanau and the community in a strengths-based, culturally appropriate way. The role requires a Social Work qualification and registration with the SWRB.

This is a fixed-term, full-time position with after-hours duty. NZ driver's license is essential, and knowledge of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and family court processes is highly valued. Applications close 10 December 2026.

Qualifications

• Social Work Qualification with minimum 3 years' experience.
• Registration with SWRB or eligibility.
• Experience in care and protection social work.
• Knowledge of The Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and Family Court processes.
• Understanding of Maori–Tauiwi relationships and alignment with the organization’s Christian Kaupapa.
• At least two years' experience and passion for care and protection social work and trauma-informed practice; supporting caregivers of tamariki and rangatahi.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• NZ driver's license required.
• NZ child protection experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with tamariki, rangatahi, whanau and the community in a strengths-based, culturally appropriate way.
• Provide care and protection social work and trauma-informed practice.
• Assume after-hours duty as required.
• Collaborate with caregivers and whanau.

Skills

Social Work

Registration SWRB

Care & protection

Trauma-informed

Maori tikanga

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

NZ Driver's License

Christian Kaupapa

NZ child protection experience

Education

Social Work Degree

Job description

Social Worker

Fixed Term, Full Time - Wellington

“Supporting Families, Caring for Children”

The Open Home Foundation (OHF) is a Christian Community Response and has a vision that every child and young person has the opportunity to grow up in a secure, loving family and receive a depth of care which will bless them throughout their lives.

We are expanding our team and looking for a Social Worker to join our Wellington team, who shares our vision and is able to work closely with tamariki, rangatahi, whanau and the community in a strengths-based and culturally appropriate way that promotes family well-being/whanau mauri ora.

After hours duty is essential as part of this role, once the Social Worker feels comfortable in the role. Please note that this is a fixed-term role, covering for a staff member on parental leave.

The successful person will have the following:

• A Social Work Qualification (minimum 3 years' experience)
• Registration with the SWRB or be eligible for registration.
• Knowledge and experience in care and protection social work
• Good knowledge of The Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and its Family Court processes.
• An in-depth understanding of how the role recognizes the special relationship between Maori and Tauiwi and strong empathy with the organization’s special character.
• A minimum of two years’ experience and a passion for: -
  -Care and protection social work and trauma informed practice.
  -Supporting Caregivers of tamariki and rangatahi.
• Excellent organizational and inter-personal skills.
• A full New Zealand driver's license is essential.
• An alignment with the Open Home Foundation’s Christian Kaupapa.
  
• NZ child protection experience preferred.

The fulltime salary for this position is between $68,038 to $102,000 p.a. ~ Kindly note the salary is based on experience.

If you would like more information on the role, please:

• Contact: [e-mail]

Applications Close: 10th December 2026