Care and Protection Social Worker - Dannevirke

About Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children

Oranga Tamariki is devoted to placing tamariki and rangatahi at the center of its efforts, striving to make New Zealand the best possible environment for children. The organisation actively collaborates with hapū, iwi, and Māori groups to find culturally appropriate solutions for children in need. Core values include aroha (love), respect for mana (dignity), fairness and integrity, valuing whakapapa (genealogy), and recognising wellbeing as an ongoing journey.

About the Role

This role is based in Dannevirke, a welcoming rural community surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering a rewarding lifestyle with excellent local services and easy access to outdoor activities. The position involves daily engagement with tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau to hear their voices, conduct needs assessments, develop intensive intervention plans, participate in hui-ā-whānau (family meetings), and collaborate with agencies, community groups, and iwi to enhance outcomes.

Key duties include hearing and supporting tamariki and rangatahi or their families to enable positive change, working with diverse cultural groups, performing safety checks and comprehensive assessments, facilitating hui, supporting whānau to enhance their caregiving capacity, planning interventions to maintain family unity, working closely with community and government partners, and advocating for children to receive necessary support and resources.

Candidate Profile

• Possession of a valid and clean New Zealand driver’s license.
• Full registration with the New Zealand Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and ability to obtain a practising certificate before starting.
• A recognised social work qualification as approved by SWRB.
• A positive and empowering attitude toward tamariki and rangatahi.
• Demonstrated empathy, patience, and insight into challenges faced by individuals.
• Excellent verbal communication adaptable to various audiences.
• Strong writing skills for preparing social work plans, court reports, case notes, and other documentation.
• Analytical abilities to assess evolving needs of tamariki and rangatahi effectively.
• Capability to manage risks and make difficult decisions.

Benefits

• A competitive salary range of $81,206 to $97,557 annually, reflecting experience and tenure, with annual progression.
• An engaging and meaningful career offering substantial professional development and networking opportunities within the children’s workforce.
• Ongoing training and regular supervision supporting personal and professional growth, plus payment of SWRB practising certificate fees during employment.
• A supportive team committed to high standards of relational, inclusive, and restorative social work practice.

Additional Information

• Permanent full-time positions available at the Dannevirke site.
• Tamaki Makaurau's code of conduct necessitates presenting to work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.
• Applications close midnight 17th August 2026, with early interviews scheduled, so timely applications are encouraged.