Social Worker - Ōtāhuhu at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Permanent Full-time Opportunity Available
• Position based in Ōtāhuhu, Tāmaki Makaurau
• Remuneration starting from $81,206 - $97,557 dependent on experience

Mō te tūnga | About the role

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 qualified, registered, and experienced social workers who want to make a real difference by putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything they do.

As part of our dynamic team based at our Ōtāhuhu site, you may spend your day meeting with tamariki, rangatahi and their family and whānau, listening to what they have to say, completing assessments of need, formulating intervention plans, participating in hui-ā-whānau and family group conferences, and partnering with other agencies, community groups and local iwi to improve outcomes.

Salary for this role starts between $81,206 - $97,557 per annum with further progression through tenure.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

To be successful in this rewarding position, you will need:

• Registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or be eligible to register
• Current annual practicing certificate
• A social work qualification recognised by the SWRB
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practice, particularly knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures
• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated resilience, problem-solving skills and flexibility
• Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills, including report writing
• Excellent time management and organisational skills

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

We also offer:

• Reduced Southern Cross premiums
• Vision care benefits
• SWRB and APC renewal costs covered
• Opportunities to build your professional network across the wider children's workforce
• Significant training and professional development to support your career growth
• 23 days annual leave for full-time staff, increasing to 25 days after 5 years' service
• Flexible work options and a supportive team environment

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

Our vision is to ensure New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are committed to working in partnership with whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions and achieve positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee, please ensure you apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz.

Applications close: 8 November 2026

However, we will be reviewing applications and interviewing as we go, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please familiarise yourself with our Code of Conduct, which outlines our expectations for kaimahi and requires employees to present at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.