Social Worker - Whakat ne (Fixed Term)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Reduced Southern Cross premiums

Vision care

SWRB and APC renewal costs covered

Professional development

23 days annual leave (pro-rated for PT

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children in Whakatāne is seeking a qualified social worker on a fixed-term basis for three months. You will work with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau, completing assessments and developing intervention plans.

The role emphasises cross-cultural practice, collaboration with agencies, and strong report writing. The position requires SWRB registration, a valid driver’s licence, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Full registration with NZ Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or eligible to register.
• A social worker qualification recognised by SWRB.
• Understanding of cross-cultural practices, particularly tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.
• A full, clean, current driver’s licence.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated resilience and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with solid report writing.

Responsibilities

• Meet with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to listen and assess needs.
• Formulate intensive intervention plans and contribute to hui-ā-whānau and family group conferences.
• Partner with other agencies, community groups and local iwi to improve outcomes.

Skills

Effective communication

Cross-cultural practice

Problem solving

Resilience

Driver’s license

MS Office skills

Education

Social work degree or recognized equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

3-month Fixewd-term opportunioty until December 2026Position based in WhakataneRemuneration starting from $81,206 - $97,557 dependent on experienceMo te tunga | About the roleThe 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.If these words capture why you became a Social Worker, then you belong on the journey we have begun at Oranga Tamariki. 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.As part of our dynamic team based at our Whakatane site , you may spend your day meeting with tamariki, rangatahi and their family and wh nau listening to what they have to say, completing assessments of need, formulating intensive intervention plans, participating in hui- -wh nau, family group conferences, and partnering with other agencies, community groups and local iwi to improve outcomes.Salary for this role starts between $81,206 - $97,557 per annum with further progression through tenure.Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bringTo be successful in this rewarding position, you will need:Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or able to registerA social worker qualification recognised by the SWRBUnderstanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga M ori, and Pacific peoples' cultureA full, clean, current driver's licenceExcellent written and oral communication skillsDemonstrated resilience, problem solving techniques and flexibilityStrong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skillsNou te rourou | What's in it for youWe also offer:Reduced Southern Cross premiumsVision careSWRB and APC renewal costs coveredOpportunity to build your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforceSignificant training and professional development so that you can continue to grow and thrive23 days annual leave for full time staff, increasing to 25 days annual leave after 5 years' service (pro-rated for part time)To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit Employee benefits - Oranga TamarikiMo m tou | About usOranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:We put Tamariki firstWe believe Aroha is vitalWe respect the Mana of peopleWe are Tika and PonoWe value WhakapapaWe recognise that Oranga is a journeyOur vision is to ensure 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.Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment of putting children 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: 7 October 2026, however we will be reviewing CV's and interviewing as we go so get your application in today!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.