Social Worker - Fixed Term Contract till January 2027

About Us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is dedicated to placing tamariki and rangatahi at the center of its mission. Our goal is for New Zealand to be the best place globally for children. We work collaboratively with hapū, iwi, and Māori organizations to provide culturally appropriate solutions for children in need. We emphasize aroha (compassion), respect for mana (dignity), integrity (tika and pono), whakapapa (genealogy), and understand that wellbeing (oranga) is a journey.

Role Overview

This full-time fixed term role, based at our Ahuriri (Napier) office, involves making meaningful positive impacts on the lives of children and families. Joining our passionate and supportive team, you will contribute to strengthening safety, resilience, and thriving outcomes for children, young people, and their communities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Listening to and advocating for the voices of tamariki and rangatahi, supporting them and their whānau to achieve positive transformation.
• Engaging respectfully with diverse cultural groups and individuals from various backgrounds.
• Conducting comprehensive assessments of tamariki, rangatahi, and their families.
• Facilitating hui focused on empowering whānau to enhance their caregiving capability.
• Planning and implementing interventions to enable tamariki and rangatahi to remain safely within their whānau.
• Collaborating closely with community partners, non-government organizations, and government agencies.
• Advocating for the needs and resources essential for tamariki and rangatahi to reach their full potential.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Current full registration and practicing certificate with the Social Work Registration Board (SWRB), New Zealand.
• A recognized qualification in social work approved by SWRB.
• A full, clean New Zealand driver’s license.
• Recent and relevant experience in social work roles within Oranga Tamariki or related non-governmental organizations.
• Demonstrated empathy, patience, and the ability to understand underlying challenges faced by individuals.
• Experience working in child protection within New Zealand.
• Capability to prepare social work documentation, including social and financial plans.
• Strong judgment, sound organizational skills, and risk management ability.
• Capacity to make difficult decisions responsibly.

Benefits and Workplace Culture

We offer a dynamic and supportive team environment, opportunities for professional development and training, and flexibility in work arrangements that prioritize wellbeing. Diversity is valued and inclusivity is fundamental in how we operate. This position provides a meaningful opportunity to apply your expertise to support the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Additional Information

• This is a fixed term full-time contract until January 2027.
• Location: Ahuriri, Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.
• Salary range: from $81,206 to $97,557 annually, based on experience.
• Applications are accepted online. Current employees must apply using their official email.
• Deadline to apply: Midnight, 12th August 2026. Applications will be reviewed continuously and the posting may close earlier once positions are filled.
• Applicants must comply with the organization's code of conduct, including being free from the influence of drugs and alcohol at work.