Social Worker - Tauranga East at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• 1 x Full time Fixed term / secondment opportunity until June 2027!
• Annual remuneration for this position starts between $81,206 and $97,557 dependant on experience
• Based at our Nga Parirau (Tauranga) site 

Our team at Nga Parirau are looking for a qualified social worker with a full registration and current annual practising certificate recognised by the SWRB, to step in while one of our kaimahi is on secondment until June 2027. Our team are super supportive of each other, jumping in to help where needed, when needed. We are committed to working with our community, whanau, hapu and iwi to ensure best outcomes for tamariki who come to our attention. 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This fixed term position will be working with tamariki and their whanau to find solutions for their situation and needs, we help build safety together for the tamariki involved. We want you to join a team with big hearts and passion for getting things right for its tamariki, rangatahi, and whanau.

You will be working closely with our Iwi, Iwi partners and community agencies in the Eastern Bay of Plenty to find the right supports tamariki and whanau may need. We value these relationships and seek to find a social worker who has good connections already within our community or is willing to build those relationships within their own practice.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include: 

• A Social Work Qualification with Full Registration and current Annual Practising Certificate with the New Zealand Social Worker Registration Board
• Excellent relationship building skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (you will need to provide professional written and verbal feedback to the courts)
• A commitment to bi-cultural practice and a culturally responsive approach (including a good Understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi)
• An understanding of the Oranga Tamariki Act
• Proven expertise and social work practice in child protection and an understanding of New Zealand Legislation that relates to the safety of children and young people.
• A full, clean driver's licence

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 Arohais vital
• We respect the Manaof people
• We are Tikaand 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 also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki 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. 

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

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply 

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

Applications close 20th July 2025!

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.