Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
At the Christchurch East Site we strive to work with tamariki, their whanau and our community with a relational, inclusive and restorative approach to practice. We acknowledge that there is much work to do but we have a team of kaimahi who are committed to providing the best possible service for the community in the East.
Christchurch East Site is also part of an intensive intervention collaboration with key community social service partners in the East. Kāhu Matarau is a collaboration between Ngā Maata Waaka, He Waka Tapu, Aranui Community Trust, Christchurch Methodist Mission, Barnardos and Oranga Tamariki Christchurch East. Kāhu Matarau is a partnership between Oranga Tamariki and the community to provide intensive support to whānau to partner with them to address issues and challenges impacting their tamariki.
- Fulltime Social Worker positions available
- Located at our Christchurch East Site in Pages Road
- We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience
Mō te tūnga | About the role
So, if you think you have what it takes, and you are dedicated to supporting whānau with achieving positive change in our community, then we want to hear from 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 initial safety checks and assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
- Holding a hui; supporting whānau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
- Be involved in planning 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
Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring
Experienced Social Workers:
We are looking for experienced social workers who may be looking to return to Oranga Tamariki or who are looking to make the move into oranga focused care and protection social work. We need kaimahi who are willing to share their wisdom and knowledge with others, including those who love to mentor or help develop newer kaimahi.
New/Graduate Social Workers:
If you are recently qualified or in the beginning stages of your social work career, we encourage you to apply. We are looking for new kaimahi who are able to bring their passion and enthusiasm for social work to our team.
You will need to demonstrate a strong sense of maturity and awareness, showcasing your understanding of the societal issues and challenges our community faces, along with the resilience required to succeed in this environment.
Some other key requirements of these positions are:
- Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) (provisional will be considered)
- A social work qualification recognised by the SWRB
- A strong and genuine commitment to strength-based practice and community partnerships and collaboration
- A full, clean, current NZ driver's licence
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated resilience, strong problem- solving techniques and adaptability
- Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills
- An authentic commitment to working alongside whānau is essential
- Soft skills, emotional empathy, teamwork and leadership
- Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture
Mō mātou | About us
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.
We are committed to ensuring that 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.
We are committed 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.
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
In return we provide a fascinating, rewarding and committed team environment where we offer a competitive salary and generous benefits - https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/
We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant 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.
Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. We offer the opportunity to work in a diverse, supportive and committed team alongside a range of professional development opportunities.
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 25th July 2025!! We will be reviewing CV's and interviewing preferred candidates as we go so get your applications in now! 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.