Social Worker

Competitive salary ranging between $74,839.35 to $90,714.36, on experience
- Based at our Kirikiriroa Site, Hamilton
- 1 x Permanent, Fulltime Social Worker vacancy available in our Youth team

Are you an experienced Social Worker who is passionate about making a positive impact to the lives of rangatahi with challenging and high-risk behaviours through relationship based social work?

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Our Youth team comprises of a team of social workers who work intensively with Hamilton's most challenging youth, covering care and protection and at times in collaboration with you Youth justice colleagues

As a social worker in the Youth team, you need exceptional engagement skills in order to break through the barriers for rangatahi who have previously often resisted engagement. You will work towards building trusting relationships through a calm and consistent response, in often unpredictable environments, to strengthen the protective factors surrounding rangatahi, ensure their voice is heard, and empower them to make safe and healthy choices.

As a statutory social worker you'll be able to completing assessments, writing court reports, and working closely alongside our rangatahi, your team members and other professionals to meet the needs of rangatahi who have resisted engagement.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

You will be able to work effectively as part of a strong, collaborative team. You will need to able to work in partnership with whānau and NGO, Māori and Iwi providers.

**Key requirements of the role include**:

- Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or able to register)
- A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
- Recent and relevant experience working in NZ in the same and or a similar role
- A full, clean, current driver's licence
- Cultural awareness and Experience/understanding working with Māori or Pacifica families
- Flexibility to work an after-hours duty roster
- Proven engagement skills and rapport with tamariki
- Excellent problem-solving skills - you will need to have a creative, informed approach
- Understanding of children and families with complex needs, and ability to work across systems to bring about positive change
- A willingness to try new approaches and be adaptable to change
- Great written, report writing and verbal communication skills
- Resilience and be able to work through heightened situations with composure

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

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 purpose is to ensure that all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities where oranga tamariki can be realised. We believe that by getting involved early in their lives and showing love and care, we give children the best chance of growing into happy thriving New Zealanders.

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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

At Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, our highest priority is the safety and welfare of our kaimahi and the tamariki and whānau we support. Many of our roles require our kaimahi to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in line with the COVID-19 Public Health response 2021 and in accordance with Oranga Tamariki's Vaccination Policy.

As an employee with Oranga Tamariki you may also be asked to undertake COVID-19 tests during your employment.

We will require evidence of your vaccination status or a valid exemption if it is required for the position you have applied for.