Social Workers Wanted - Whakatane site! at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Permanent fulltime positions available
• Annual remuneration for this position starts between $81,206 and $97,557 dependant on experience
• Based at our Whakatāne Site

About the role | Mō te tūnga 

In order to make positive changes in the lives of children and families in our community, we need people like you who have knowledge, experience and are passionate about the wellbeing of children. Join a team with big hearts and a passion for getting things right for its children, young people and community. You can be part of a positive and supportive team and help children and young people be safe, strong and thrive.

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them or their whānau to make positive changes
• Work with various cultural groups and people from different backgrounds
• Complete initial safety checks and assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau 
• Holding a hui; supporting whānau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi 
• Be involved in planning interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their whānau
• Work alongside partners in our community, non-government organisations and state sector agencies
• Be an advocate on behalf of tamariki and rangatahi to ensure they have the support and resources needed to reach their full potential

What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of Tamariki and Rangatahi. 

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

Ideal candidate for this role is an experiences Social Worker who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role a non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and/or someone who has worked within Oranga Tamariki previously.

• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
• Experience from the child protection sector
• The ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans e.g. financial
• Sound judgement and organisational skills
• The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
• Great written skills as you will need to write court reports, case notes and other documents
• A positive outlook and supporting nature
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture 

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

Hurry as applications for this role close on Sunday 4th January 2026!

**Please note that due to the Christmas break we will be reviewing applications in the new year and there may be a delay in our response to your applicaiton**

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."