Permanent Social Worker Puketai Dunedin

Overview

Are you a Social Worker who's eager to spend more time connecting taiohi (young people) and working with a great team? Are you committed to improving outcomes for all taiohi, with a real focus on those who whakapapa Māori?

• Earn a competitive salary starting between base $81,206 - 97,557 (dependant on experience), which excludes allowances for working shifts (which could see you earning $97,447 - $117,068 inclusive of penal rates for working shifts).
• Work collaboratively with our Residential Youth Workers to develop and lead a therapeutic care approach, ensuring we deliver the necessary services to keep rangatahi safe, uphold their dignity and rights, and meet their needs. This role provides an opportunity to contribute to best practice within a residential setting
• Significantly improve the lives of rangatahi and improve their outcomes providing proactive, comprehensive care and support to rangatahi while they are in our care.
• Be actively involved in the daily operations of the residence, working closely with rangatahi to develop insights into who they are, what is important to them and what they need to have their needs met and succeed.

About the role

We are committed to providing comprehensive, proactive care and support to taiohi during their stay and as they transition back into the community. To make this vision a reality, we are looking for Residential Social Workers to join our team. As a Residential Social Worker at Puketai, you will collaborate closely with our Residential Youth Workers and the wider team. Your role is to apply a social work lens within our care teams on our therapeutic care approach, ensuring we deliver the necessary services to keep taiohi safe, uphold their dignity and rights, and meet their needs.

We want to call it out upfront - this role will be challenging at times. Residences are dynamic and, at times, high-risk environments. Despite the challenges, this work is deeply rewarding and offers you the opportunity to make a tangible difference for rangatahi.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration base for this position starts between $81,206 - $97,557 (dependent on experience), which excludes allowances for working shifts (which could see you earning $97,447 - $117,068 with penal rates for working shifts). 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. We also provide meals on-shift and have free onsite parking available. 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 taiohi.

How to apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter, please include in your application your work availability. 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

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight 22nd September 2025! Please note : we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!

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.

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