Job Description
Job description
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 and registered social workers who want to make a real difference by putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything they do.
Sunny Nelson offers stunning beaches, lush national parks, and a vibrant arts scene. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, it boasts hiking, biking, kayaking, and world-class wineries. With great schools, a strong community, and a relaxed lifestyle, Nelson is ideal for balancing work and play.
1x Fulltime, Permanent position available
Position will be based at our Nelson Site
We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $+7,557, depending on experience
About the role Mō te tūnga
In order to make positive changes in the lives of children and families in our community, we need people like you who have knowledge, experience and are passionate about the wellbeing of children. Join a team with big hearts and a passion for getting things right for its children, young people and community. You can be part of a positive and supportive team with a strong inclusive culture where your voice will be heard, and your colleagues will always be there to support 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 full assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
Be able to hold and facilitate a hui, with a focus on supporting whānau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
Be involved in planning and delivering 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
What you will bring Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu
Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Social Worker who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role for a non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and/or someone who has worked within Oranga Tamariki previously.
Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and Current practicing certificate
A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
A full, clean, current driver's licence
Recent and relevant experience with Oranga Tamariki and one of our Social Worker roles
Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
Experience within the child protection sector, preferably within NZ
The ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans e.g. financial
Able to demonstrate sound judgement and organisational skills
The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
What's in it for you Nōu te rourou
We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. 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 Tamariki and Rangatahi.
Mō mātou About us
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.
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 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.
How to Apply Me pēhea te tuku tono
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
Hurry as applications for these roles close on February +th, 2026!!
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.
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 and registered social workers who want to make a real difference by putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything they do.
Sunny Nelson offers stunning beaches, lush national parks, and a vibrant arts scene. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, it boasts hiking, biking, kayaking, and world-class wineries. With great schools, a strong community, and a relaxed lifestyle, Nelson is ideal for balancing work and play.
1x Fulltime, Permanent position available
Position will be based at our Nelson Site
We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $+7,557, depending on experience
About the role Mō te tūnga
In order to make positive changes in the lives of children and families in our community, we need people like you who have knowledge, experience and are passionate about the wellbeing of children. Join a team with big hearts and a passion for getting things right for its children, young people and community. You can be part of a positive and supportive team with a strong inclusive culture where your voice will be heard, and your colleagues will always be there to support 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 full assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
Be able to hold and facilitate a hui, with a focus on supporting whānau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
Be involved in planning and delivering 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
What you will bring Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu
Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Social Worker who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role for a non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and/or someone who has worked within Oranga Tamariki previously.
Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and Current practicing certificate
A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
A full, clean, current driver's licence
Recent and relevant experience with Oranga Tamariki and one of our Social Worker roles
Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
Experience within the child protection sector, preferably within NZ
The ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans e.g. financial
Able to demonstrate sound judgement and organisational skills
The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
What's in it for you Nōu te rourou
We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. 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 Tamariki and Rangatahi.
Mō mātou About us
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.
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 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.
How to Apply Me pēhea te tuku tono
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
Hurry as applications for these roles close on February +th, 2026!!
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.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Social Worker position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Balcairn offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.