Social Worker - Whakatāne (Fixed-Term Opportunity to March 2027)

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Whakatāne seeks qualified, registered social workers to support tamariki and rangatahi. This five-month fixed‑term role involves meeting with tamariki, rangatahi and their families, completing assessments, and formulating intensive intervention plans in partnership with whānau and local iwi.

We value culturally responsive practice, cross‑cultural knowledge, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Full registration with SWRB or eligible to register
• Social work qualification recognised by SWRB
• Understanding of tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures
• Full, clean, current driver’s licence
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated resilience, problem-solving and flexibility
• Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills

Responsibilities

• Meet with tamariki, rangatahi and their family to assess needs and formulate intensive intervention plans
• Participate in hui-ā-whānau and family group conferences
• Partner with other agencies, community groups and local iwi to improve outcomes
• Provide culturally responsive support and advocacy for tamariki and rangatahi

Skills

SWRB registration

Cross-cultural awareness

Excellent communication

Driver's licence

Report writing

Resilience & problem-solving

Education

SWRB-recognised Social Work degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

• 5-month fixed-term opportunity until March 2027
• Position based in Whakatāne
• 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 Whakatāne 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

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or be eligible to register
• A social work qualification recognised by the SWRB
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, in particular knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples' cultures
• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated resilience, problem-solving skills 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 staff)

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 journey

Our 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 to 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.

If you have any questions about the role, 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 influence of both drugs and alcohol.