Social Worker

Role overview

This is a fixed-term social work position based in Porirua and available through June 2027. The starting annual pay range is $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience.

About Oranga Tamariki

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is focused on placing tamariki and rangatahi at the centre of its work. The organisation aims to help make New Zealand the best place in the world for children to grow up and works in partnership with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations to identify the right support for children and young people in need.

The values guiding the organisation include putting tamariki first, leading with aroha, respecting the mana of people, acting with integrity and sincerity, valuing whakapapa, and recognising that wellbeing is an ongoing journey.

People who are deeply committed to supporting tamariki and rangatahi early in life may find this work highly meaningful and rewarding, especially when they can see the positive difference their mahi makes.

What the role involves

In this role, you will spend your days working directly with tamariki, rangatahi, and their families and whānau. You will listen to their views, assess needs, develop intensive intervention plans, take part in hui-ā-whānau and family group conferences, and work alongside other agencies, community organisations, and local iwi to improve outcomes.

• Support tamariki and rangatahi, and help their whānau make positive changes
• Work with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds
• Carry out initial safety checks and assessments for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau
• Facilitate hui and help whānau strengthen their ability to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
• Contribute to intervention planning that supports tamariki and rangatahi to remain with their whānau
• Collaborate with community partners, non-government organisations, and state sector agencies
• Advocate for tamariki and rangatahi so they receive the support and resources they need to thrive

What you will need to bring

To be successful in this position, you will need a full, clean New Zealand driver licence, full registration with the Social Work Registration Board (SWRB), and the ability to secure a practising certificate before your start date. You must also hold a social work qualification recognised by the SWRB.

The role suits someone with a positive mindset who can influence and empower tamariki and rangatahi. It also requires empathy, patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to adjust your approach to different audiences.

You will need strong writing ability for preparing social work plans, court reports, case notes, and other documentation, along with analytical thinking, the ability to assess changing needs, and the confidence to manage risk and make difficult decisions.

Benefits

The organisation offers a fair remuneration structure with annual progression based on tenure and experience. The starting salary for this role is $81,206 to $97,557.

You can expect a demanding but fulfilling career with opportunities to build your professional network across the wider children's workforce. The role also includes ongoing training, regular supervision, and payment of annual SWRB practice certificate fees for the duration of employment.

You will work with colleagues who are committed to high standards of relational, inclusive, and restorative social work practice.

How to apply

Apply with your CV and covering letter. Current Oranga Tamariki employees should apply using their Oranga Tamariki email login.

Applications close at midnight on 2 July 2026, although candidates may be shortlisted and invited to interview before that date.

Applicants should be familiar with the organisation's code of conduct, which sets expectations for staff and requires employees to work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.