Social Worker - Whakatāne (Fixed-Term Opportunity to March 2027)

• 5-month fixed-term opportunity until March 2027
• Position based in Whakatāne
• Remuneration starting from $81,206 - $97,557 dependent on experience

Mō te tūnga | About the role

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.

If these words capture why you became a Social Worker, then you belong on the journey we have begun at Oranga Tamariki. We're 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 they do.

As part of our dynamic team based at our Whakatāne site, you may spend your day meeting with tamariki, rangatahi and their family and whānau, listening to what they have to say, completing assessments of need, formulating intensive intervention plans, participating in hui-ā-whānau, family group conferences, and partnering with other agencies, community groups and local iwi to improve outcomes.

Salary for this role starts between $81,206 - $97,557 per annum with further progression through tenure.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

To be successful in this rewarding position, you will need:

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

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

We also offer:

• Reduced Southern Cross premiums
• Vision care
• SWRB and APC renewal costs covered
• Opportunity to build your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforce
• Significant training and professional development so that you can continue to grow and thrive
• 23 days annual leave for full-time staff, increasing to 25 days annual leave after 5 years' service (pro-rated for part-time staff)

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit Employee Benefits - Oranga Tamariki.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

Our vision is to ensure 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.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting children 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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Applications close: 9 November 2026

However, we will be reviewing CVs and interviewing as applications are received, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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 both drugs and alcohol.