Social Worker - Regional Team - Lower South at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Southland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Apply now for a rewarding permanent full-time social work career.
• Join our regional response team and be based in the Lower South Island
• We are offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience.

Mō te tūnga | The Role

We are seeking two dedicated social workers to join out newly established Regional Response Team to provide critical support wherever it is needed most. While you may be based at a specific site, you will work across the wider region, travelling to sites experiencing increased demand. Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to travel and spend time away from your home site is essential to the role. By providing responsive support across locations, you will ensure tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau receive the right support at the right time.

Join our dynamic team, providing high-quality Social Work that stands for the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi, walking alongside whānau as they navigate uncertainty, transformation and growth. You will bring aroha, clarity and optimism while maintaining mana.

You will:

• Complete thorough safety and risk assessments
• Lead hui with care and confidence
• Design tailored, strengths-based, and culturally aligned plans
• Uplift the mana of whānau through every interaction
• Work in true partnership with iwi, hapū, Māori organisations, community groups, and fellow government agencies to create enduring, meaningful Whakapapa.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you 

In this role, you do not just give - you grow.

You will be part of a values-led, purpose-driven organisation that offers:

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Flexible working arrangements and wellbeing supports
• Ongoing kaupapa Māori learning and professional development
• A workplace that respects, reflects, and celebrates diversity, inclusion and te ao Māori

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We are looking for people with the heart and skill to lead in this space - whether you are a seasoned professional or newly registered.

You will have:

• Full SWRB registration (or eligibility to register in the near future)
• A recognised social work qualification
• A genuine, strengths-based practice approach
• A full, clean New Zealand driver's licence (historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
• An unwavering commitment to working in partnership with whānau
• The flexibility and willingness to travel regularly across the region to support sites with the greatest service needs

Also valuable:

• Experience in statutory social work (preferred but not essential)
• Strong communication, resilience, and cultural competence
• Knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pasifika cultures
• Solid documentation and digital literacy skills

Mō mātou | About Oranga Tamariki

Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children is grounded in the belief that every tamaiti deserves a loving, safe, and supported life. Our values guide us:

• Aroha - we care deeply
• Whakapapa - we honour connections
• Mana - we uphold the dignity of all
• Tika & Pono - we do what is right, with integrity
• Oranga - we journey toward wellbeing, together

We are committed to building genuine partnerships with iwi, hapū and Māori communities - ensuring tamariki and whānau are at the centre of all we do.

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: Friday 9th October 2026 and we will begin shortlisting candidates as we receive applications.  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.