Social Worker - Whangarei

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

Job summary

A government child welfare agency in Whangarei is seeking a qualified social worker. This position involves engaging with children and their families to assess needs, prepare court documents, and collaborate with community partners for positive outcomes. The role requires full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board and a commitment to cultural principles. A competitive salary and professional development opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• A positive outlook and supporting nature.
• Ability to manage risk and make tough decisions.
• Full, clean and valid driver's licence.

Responsibilities

• Complete assessments and initiate Family Group Conferences.
• Create plans and prepare reports for Family Court.
• Work alongside community partners to achieve positive outcomes.

Skills

Cultural awareness and understanding of Tikanga Māori principles

Sound judgment skills

Excellent verbal communication skills

Good written skills

Strong organizational skills

Education

Social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB

Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)

Tools

Social work and financial planning frameworks

Job description

We are seeking a qualified and experienced social worker to join us on a permanent basis. Join us in making a meaningful difference to the lives of our tamariki.

• Based at our Teaotahi Site, Whangarei
• Competitive salary ranging from $81,206 to $97,557 depending on experience

Hei awhitanga nga mahi o Te Tai Tokerau. Tu te Tangata, Tu te Rohe, Tu te Mana. Tihei, tihei mauri ora (embrace the collective response with communities).

Our Social Workers say they work at Oranga Tamariki because they have the opportunity to change the lives of tamariki and young people, make a difference and help our kids get a better life. Do you want to be a part of that? If so, look no further we have the role for you!

'It takes a whole village to raise tamariki' we are offering a renewed sense of community and a unique opportunity for social workers to join our growing whānau orientated team at Teaotahi site - where you will be encouraged and supported to work effectively with Māori using Te Toka Tumoana, our indigenous and bicultural principled framework.

In these fast-paced roles, you will be expected to operate collectively with a team of social workers and other critical thinkers, inclusive of whānau hapū, iwi and communities. Tamariki do not live-in isolation; they sit at the centre of a whānau and sometimes caregiving families.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and that of the community we serve. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of mana (prestige), tika & pono (doing things the right way), aroha (love) and whākapapa (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our site plan.

This role represents an opportunity to shape a new way of working with culturally grounded solutions and innovations that support our approach and direction toward transformational change for the care and protection system - one that builds on the good things that are already happening, and, most importantly, innovates to find new ways of doing things to achieve better outcomes for all.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

At our Teaotahi site in Whangarei, we work alongside our community partners to bring about positive outcomes for our children, young people and their whānau. Our Social Workers at Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children manage a variety of tasks using the latest assessment frameworks; you will work hard to get quality outcomes for mokopuna and whānau.

A big part of your day will be working with children and young people to ensure their voices are heard. You will complete assessments, reports and formal Family Court documents, create plans, complete referrals, participate in Family Group Conferences and partner with other agencies, stakeholders and the community to get the best outcomes for our tamariki. Your ability to overcome barriers and skill to drive positive outcomes will put you in good stead for this challenging and hugely rewarding role.

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $81,206 to $97,557 dependant on experience. We offer the opportunity to work in a diverse, supportive and committed team alongside a range of professional development opportunities.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What will you bring?

• Cultural awareness and an understanding of Tikanga Māori principles
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A full, clean and valid driver's licence
• The ability to analyse and prepare social work and financial plans
• Sound judgement skills
• Strong organisational skills
• The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
• Good written skills as you will need to write court reports and case notes
• A positive outlook and supporting nature

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

Applications for this role will close on 23rd November 2025

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