Social Worker Care & Protection

Overview

This role is based at the Wellington site, looking after the Wellington region.Annual remuneration for this position ranges between $81,206.00 and $97,557.00, depending on experience.

Role Context

The wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi is everyone's responsibility. They deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau and community.

We acknowledge that there is much work to do but we are up for it. If you think you have what it takes, then apply to join our team and the journey Oranga Tamariki is on. We are looking for qualified, registered, and experienced social workers who want to make a real difference by putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do.

Our site works hard to do things collaboratively within the foundation of a whānau‑led approach focused on awhi and supporting whānau in mana‑enhancing ways. This role will backfill kaimahi who has gone on parental leave until March 2026.

Wellington is a diverse and lively city with stunning scenery and a vast array of recreational activities on your doorstep. It is a great base for some of the most amazing regional destinations within a few hours’ drive in any direction, with award‑winning eateries and activities for the whole whānau.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The role is a permanent position at the Wellington site. If you are starting your Social Work career or are an experienced Social Worker ready for a change, this is an excellent opportunity. To make positive changes in the lives of children and families, we need people who have knowledge, experience and passion for the wellbeing of children. You will join a team with big hearts and a passion for getting things right for children, young people and the community. You will be part of a positive and supportive team and help children and young people be safe, strong and thrive.

In this dynamic position, you’ll engage directly with our community, work closely with whānau and collaborate with other social services to ensure a cohesive approach in meeting their needs. Our focus is on establishing sustainable support systems that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of tamariki within their whānau.

To be successful in this highly rewarding role, you will bring :

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A full, clean, current driver’s licence
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated resilience, problem solving techniques and flexibility
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, in particular knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples’ culture

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you

Our team works alongside police and community agencies, and we offer significant training and professional development so you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is committed to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. We are committed to making Aotearoa the best place in the world to be a child, and to partnering with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need. We value aroha, mana, tika and pono, whakapapa, and oranga as a journey.

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 login using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

Applications close : Sunday 12 October 2025. We will review CVs and interview as we go, so please apply now.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please familiarise yourself with our code of conduct, which sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from drugs and alcohol.

Reference #38512

Location(s) : Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Paraparaumu, Wellington

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