Social Worker - Porirua at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Apply now for a rewarding permanent full-time social work career
• Join our vibrant multi-cultural office based in Porirua
• Looking for experienced and early in career Social Workers

About the Role | Mō te tūnga

Across our sites we are working with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to make positive changes in our community.  We need people who have knowledge, experience and who are deeply passionate about whānau wellbeing.

If you are looking for a smaller site, with a great team of like minded practioners, that are continuously looking for ways to work with our Porirua community.

As a Social Worker, you will:
• Complete comprehensive assessments of tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau — often in collaboration with partner agencies and Iwi
• Facilitate hui, focusing on empowering whānau to strengthen their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
• Plan and deliver interventions that support tamariki and rangatahi to remain safely within their whānau. A small cohort will have their FGC or Manaaki plans monitored in partnership with Hapori and/or Iwi
• Work with other Oranga Tamariki sites, as well as other community and government agencies
• Support tamariki in Care and those transitioning out of Care into long-term care arrangements or independent living

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 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.  We also offer:

• A competitive market salary between $81,206 to $97,557
• A challenging, fascinating, and highly rewarding career with many opportunities for professional development and building your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforce
• 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 the highest standards of relational, inclusive, and restorative social work practice

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu 

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

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or eligible to apply
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB 
• A full, clean, current driver's licence 
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with 
• Experience within the child protection sector, preferably within NZ 
• The ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans e.g. financial 
• Able to demonstrate 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   

Why work in Porirua?

Porirua offers the perfect balance of lifestyle and opportunity. With its stunning beaches, vibrant local communities, and easy access to Wellington, Porirua is an ideal place to build a career without sacrificing quality of life. Enjoy shorter commutes, a relaxed coastal atmosphere, and a strong sense of community — all while working in a region that’s growing and full of innovation.

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

Applications close: Ftiday 8th May 2026, however we will be reviewing CV's as we go so get your applications in now as we may close the role early if the right candidate is secured.

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 influence of drugs and alcohol.