Social Worker - Christchurch East at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

At the Oranga Tamariki Christchurch East Site, we are committed to working with tamariki, their whānau, and our community through a relational, inclusive, and restorative approach to practice. We prioritise strong partnerships with local social service providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for tamariki and their whānau.

One example of this partnership approach is our involvement in Kāhu Matarau. Kāhu Matarau is a collaboration between Ngā Maata Waka, He Waka Tapu, Aranui Community Trust, Christchurch Methodist Mission, Barnardos, and Oranga Tamariki Christchurch East. This partnership brings together key social service providers across the east to deliver intensive support to whānau and work alongside them to address challenges affecting the wellbeing and oranga of their tamariki.

• Apply now for a rewarding permanent full-time social work career
• Join our vibrant, multicultural office based at our Christchurch East site on Pages Road
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience

Mō te tūnga | About the role

So, if you think you have got what it takes, and you are dedicated to supporting whānau with achieving positive change in our community, then we want to hear from you.

• 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  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

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Experienced Social Workers: 

We are looking for experienced social workers who may be looking to return to Oranga Tamariki or who are looking to make the move into oranga focused care and protection social work. We want kaimahi who are willing to share their experience and knowledge with others, including those who love to mentor or help develop beginning practitioners.

New/Graduate Social Workers:

If you are recently qualified or in the beginning stages of your social work career, we encourage you to apply. We are looking for new kaimahi who can bring their passion and enthusiasm for social work to our team.

You will need to demonstrate a strong sense of maturity and insight, showcasing your understanding of the societal issues, strengths and challenges our community faces, along with the resilience required to succeed in this environment.

Some other key requirements of these positions are:

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) (provisional will be considered)
• A social work qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A strong and genuine commitment to strength-based practice and community partnerships and collaboration
• A full, clean, current NZ driver's licence
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated resilience, strong problem- solving techniques and adaptability
• Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills
• An authentic commitment to working alongside whānau is essential
• Soft skills, emotional empathy, teamwork and leadership
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture

Mō mātou | About us

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.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

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. 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: Wednesday 22nd July 2026!!  We will be reviewing CV's and interviewing preferred candidates as we go so get your applications in now! Please note we do reserve the right to close the advert once all roles are filled.

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.