Caregiver Social Worker

Role overview

This is a specialist social work position based in Canterbury, working 28 hours per week. The role focuses on finding, assessing and backing caregivers so they can provide safe, stable and nurturing care for tamariki who are unable to remain safely at home.

The salary range for this role begins at $81,206 and goes up to $97,557, with pay adjusted pro rata for part-time hours. Progression is available annually based on service and experience, with additional steps above the stated range.

About the role

In this position, you will work closely with caregivers to help them understand their responsibilities at different stages of a child’s care journey. Using strong relationship-building skills and a practical, personalised approach, you will ensure caregivers have the tools, knowledge and support needed to offer consistent, loving homes.

You will support a range of caregiver types, including whānau and non-whānau caregivers, emergency and respite caregivers, and long-term caregivers. The work is meaningful and varied, with a clear impact on the wellbeing of tamariki and the wider community.

Working alongside the child’s social worker, you will identify underlying needs and develop tailored strategies that create coordinated support around each child. When necessary, you will also collaborate with other agencies, community groups and service providers to make sure caregiver needs are fully addressed.

The team is described as close-knit, supportive and committed to positive outcomes for tamariki, whānau and caregivers. The environment includes a strengths-based approach, shared learning across the team, full induction, ongoing training, regular supervision, and support from peers and leaders.

About the organisation

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is focused on placing tamariki and rangatahi at the centre of its work. The organisation says its values include putting tamariki first, believing aroha is essential, respecting mana, acting with tika and pono, valuing whakapapa, and recognising that oranga is a journey.

What you will bring

As this is a social worker role rather than a caregiver role, you must hold a social work qualification and be registered with the Social Workers Registration Board.

You will need strong resilience, sound judgement and the ability to solve problems thoughtfully. A genuine commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and the ability to reflect that commitment in everyday practice is also important.

Knowledge of section 7(AA) of the Oranga Tamariki Act and the Oranga Tamariki National Care Standards 2018 is expected, along with a clear passion for helping caregivers succeed.

Strong relationship management ability, good written and verbal communication skills, and a valid, clean New Zealand driver licence are required. Historic convictions may be considered individually.

What’s in it for you

You will be offered a supportive team environment, flexible work options, a strong focus on wellbeing, and significant training and professional development opportunities. The organisation also promotes diversity and an inclusive, respectful workplace.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted online with a CV and covering letter. Existing employees should apply using their Oranga Tamariki email login. The closing date is Friday 10 July 2026, although candidates may be reviewed and interviewed as applications arrive, and the advert may close once all roles have been filled.

Additional information

Candidates are expected to be familiar with the organisation’s code of conduct, including the requirement to attend work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Key facts

This role is based in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. It is a full-time onsite position listed at 28 hours per week.

The post is for a specialist caregiver social work function and is aimed at supporting the recruitment, assessment and ongoing care of caregivers across different care arrangements.

The compensation is described as a competitive annual salary range of $81,206 to $97,557, paid pro rata for the part-time schedule.

The application process is open until 10 July 2026, with early review of suitable candidates during the advertising period.