Caregiver Recruitment and Support Social Worker

About the Role

This position seeks a SWRB-registered Social Worker to be based in Hastings. The role focuses on recruiting, assessing, and assisting caregivers who provide essential care to tamariki unable to live safely at home. You will work regionally, potentially covering the wider East Coast area to meet business and caregiver needs.

In this role, you will partner closely with caregivers—both whānau and non-whānau, including emergency, respite, and long-term caregivers—to support them in their important roles throughout a child's care journey. You will also collaborate with iwi under the Whanau Care framework and occasionally work with iwi providers.

The position involves forming strong relationships with caregivers, supporting and equipping them with necessary skills, information, and resources to ensure safe, nurturing, and stable homes for tamariki. You will work alongside children's Social Workers to identify challenges and create tailored, holistic strategies that ensure the best outcomes for children in care. Cooperation with other agencies, community groups, and providers is key to meeting caregiver support needs. Significant written assessment documentation is part of your responsibilities, so excellent written communication is essential.

As a qualified Social Worker registered with the SWRB, you will contribute to a strengths-based team approach, sharing knowledge and insights to prepare team members for success. You will benefit from thorough induction, ongoing training and supervision, and robust peer and leadership support.

About Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children

Oranga Tamariki places tamariki and rangatahi at the center of its mission. Our core values include prioritizing tamariki, valuing aroha, respecting mana, operating with tika and pono, appreciating whakapapa, and acknowledging that oranga (wellbeing) is a continual journey. We strive to make New Zealand the best place in the world for children and work closely with hapū, iwi, and Māori organizations to develop fitting solutions for tamariki in need.

Candidate Requirements

• Possession of a Social Work qualification recognized by the Social Worker Registration Board (mandatory)
• Full registration with the New Zealand SWRB and a current practicing certificate, or eligibility to obtain registration
• Demonstrable resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to upholding Treaty of Waitangi principles in practice
• Strong passion and vision for caregiver success
• Proven excellent relationship management capabilities
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills
• Valid, clean full New Zealand driver's license

Compensation and Benefits

This role offers a fair remuneration package starting between $81,000 and $97,000 annually depending on experience, with step increases based on tenure. You'll join a dynamic, supportive team with options for flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to your wellbeing. Significant training and professional development opportunities enable you to advance and thrive. We embrace diversity and foster an inclusive, respectful workplace.

Application Details

Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter, including availability for work. Current employees must apply using their organizational email. Queries about the position can be directed through the contact details provided in the original job posting. Applications close at midnight on 23 August 2026, though early submissions are encouraged as reviews will be ongoing.

Additional Information

Applicants are expected to be familiar with the organization's code of conduct, which outlines standards for behavior and requires employees to be free of drugs and alcohol at work.