Social worker - S132 report writer - Papanui at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this 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.

• 1 x permanent Social Worker (court report writer Section 132)
• Based in the Canterbury Region
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience

About the role | Mō te tūnga
If you are passionate in making a real, positive impact to New Zealand's tamariki, rangatahi, their whanau and the community? You will be glad to know that at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children we work to bring about positive outcomes for our children, young people and their Whānau.
We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our Section 132 Report Writer team. This role will see you working through complex information to ensure Section 132 Reports are completed within designated timeframes and to a high standard. You will need to be able to generate solid evidence-based decisions and incorporate these into your work.
In this role, you will also be focusing in gathering and collating information to write comprehensive reports. These reports will need to meet a suitable level and to be presented to a professional audience, including a Judge.
Along with that, you will also be interviewing and communicating to tamariki, whānau and other relevant professionals. To be considered for this role, your experience in communicating succinctly through clear writing and the ability to provide a concise report will be advantageous.

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu
Key requirements for this role:
• Good at report writing, assessment, observation and situation analysis
• A well-developed communication skill, good time management and strong conflict resolution skills
• To hold a full registration with New Zealand's Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) or able to register
• A holder of a recognised Social Work qualification by the SWRB
• To be able to demonstrate commitment to and respect for the Treaty of Waitangi
• To have a positive attitude and to be able to empower our tamariki and rangatahi
• To have good critical thinking - ability to gather information and make good evidence-based decisions

What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou
We offer a vibrant and supportive team and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. In addition we offer a competitive salary and generous benefits -https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

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.

About us | Mō mātou
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.
We are committed to ensuring that 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.
We are committed 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

Hurry as applications for this role close on 7th October 2026, 

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.