Social Worker

• Apply now for rewarding permanent, full-time social work career
• Join our vibrant multi-cultural office in Oamaru Site
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience.

Mo te tunga | About the role

The wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi is everyones responsibility. They deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving wh nau and community. If these words capture why, you became a Social Worker, then you belong on the journey we have begun at Oranga Tamariki. Were looking for a qualified, registered, and experienced social worker who wants to make a real difference by putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything they do.

Mo m tou | About us

Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children has a commitment of putting tamariki first, we believe aroha is vital, we respect the mana of people, we are tika and pono, we value whakapapa, and we recognise that oranga is a journey.

We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• A passion for working with tamariki, rangatahi and their wh nau, connecting, understanding and building relationships to help provide positive outcomes for them
• Excellent relationship building skills particularly with te tamaiti
• Strong Social Work assessment and critical thinking skills
• A commitment to bi-cultural practice and a culturally responsive approach (including a good Understanding of Tikanga M ori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Social Worker qualification with SWRB Registration and current Annual Practicing Certificate
• A range of technical skills and knowledge of Outlook and Word.

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you

• We offer a supportive team, regular supervision to support you in achieving your personal and professional goals and annual fees paid for your SWRB/ANZASW membership
• Access to our Puawai in-house induction programme and ongoing training thereafter
• Colleagues who are united in their commitment to the highest standards of relational, inclusive, and restorative social work practice
• A genuine commitment to wellbeing and a manageable caseload
• We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way.
• A competitive market salary between $ $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience.
• A challenging, fascinating, and highly rewarding career with many opportunities for professional development and building your professional network with colleagues across the wider childrens workforce

Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB and current Annual Practicing Certificate
• Full NZ drivers licence with no restrictions (historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
• A positive attitude and the ability to influence and empower our tamariki and rangatahi
• Empathy, patience, and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt to your audience
• Great written skills as you will need to prepare social work plans, write court reports, case notes and other documents
• Strong analytical skills and an ability to assess tamariki and rangatahi changing needs
• Ability to manage risk and make tough decisions

As part of our growing team, you will spend your day meeting with tamariki, rangatahi and their family and wh nau listening to what they have to say, completing assessments of need, formulating intervention plans, participating in hui- -wh nau, family group conferences, and partnering with other agencies, community groups and local iwi to in a creative manner to improve outcomes and make a real difference.

So, will you join us?

Me pehea 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 ***email_hidden***

Applications close: Friday 12 June 2026, however we will be reviewing CVs and inviting candidates to interview so get your application in today! Please note we do reserve the right to close the advert once all roles are filled.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct which explains our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.