• Fulltime Permanent position available
• Positions will be based at the Central Otago site
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience

About the role | Mō te tūnga

The wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi is everyone's responsibility. They deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard and be surrounded by loving whānau and community.

If these words capture why, you became a Social Worker, then you belong on the journey we have begun at Oranga Tamariki. We're 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. If you would like to take advantage of the outdoors, this is the place to be, stunning scenery and a vast array of recreational activities are on your doorstep. As the perfect base, some of the most amazing regional destinations are within only a few hours' drive in any direction.

Our team of practitioners are an innovative group of diverse practitioners who work closely together and share our Oranga Tamariki values. As part of our team, you will spend your day meeting with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau listening to what they have to say. You will complete assessments of needs, participate in hui-ā-whānau and family group conferences and partner with other agencies, community groups and local iwi to in a creative manner to secure good outcomes.

What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou

• A competitive market salary between $81,206 to $97,557
• A challenging, fascinating and highly rewarding career with lots of variety and opportunities for professional development, alongside building your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforce
• A comprehensive induction, ongoing training, regular supervision to support you in achieving your personal and professional goals, and annual fees paid for your SWRB/ANZASW membership
• Colleagues who are united in their commitment to providing quality relational, inclusive, and restorative social work practice
• A place of work in the stunningly beautiful Central Otago/Queenstown Lakes area world renowned for its numerous cycle trails, tramping, water sports, ski fields, amazing scenery, vineyards, wonderful cuisine, and more.

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $81,206 to $97,557 dependent on experience. We offer the opportunity to work in a diverse, supportive and committed team alongside a range of professional development opportunities.

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

• A full clean driver's licence
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A positive attitude and the ability to influence and empower tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau
• 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

If you genuinely care about providing tamariki and rangathi with the aroha and support they need early on in life, you'll get immense satisfaction from being able to turn lives around and seeing the difference your mahi makes. So, will you join us?

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.

Our vision is to ensure New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to 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.

How to Apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

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 Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz or chris.pickering@ot.govt.nz

Applications close: Monday 28 April 2025, however we will be reviewing CVs as we go so get your application in now!

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