Social Worker - Whakatāne (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

Training and professional development

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Whakatāne seeks a qualified social worker for a 3-month fixed-term. You will engage with tamariki and whānau, assess needs, and develop intervention plans while collaborating with iwi and partner agencies. A full SWRB registration and a current driver’s licence are essential.

Salary starts at $81,206 to $97,557 per year, with progression through tenure; benefits include reduced premiums, vision care, and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Registered social worker with SWRB (or eligible to register).
• Qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Understanding of tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.
• Full, clean driver's licence and independence in travelling.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Resilience and flexible problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Meet tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to assess needs and plan support.
• Complete assessments of need and formulate intensive intervention plans.
• Participate in hui-ā-whānau, family group conferences and partnerships.
• Collaborate with agencies, community groups and local iwi to improve outcomes.
• Document findings and contribute to care planning with accuracy.

Skills

SWRB registration

Social work

Communication skills

Cultural awareness

Driver's license

Education

Social worker qualification recognized by SWRB

Full registration with SWRB

Tools

Microsoft Office

Report writing

Job description

# Social Worker - Whakatāne (Fixed Term) at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Bay of Plenty## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* **3-month Fixewd-term opportunioty until December 2026*** **Position based in Whakatane*** **Remuneration starting from $81,206 - $97,557 dependent on experience****Mō te tūnga | About the role**The wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi is everyone's responsibility. They deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau 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 whānau listening to what they have to say, completing assessments of need, formulating intensive intervention plans, participating in hui-ā-whānau, 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.**Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring**To be successful in this rewarding position, you will need:* Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or able to register* A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB* Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture* 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**Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you**We also offer:* Reduced Southern Cross premiums* Vision care* SWRB and APC renewal costs covered* Opportunity to build your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforce* Significant training and professional development so that you can continue to grow and thrive* 23 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 Tamariki**Mō mātou | About us**Oranga 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 first* We believe Aroha is vital* We respect the Mana of people* We are Tika and Pono* We value Whakapapa* We 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 hapū, iwi and Māori 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 pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply**Apply 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 Info\\[e-mail]**Applications close: 7 October 2026, however we will be reviewing CV's and interviewing as we go so get your application in today!**