Social Worker

1 x Permanent, fulltime vacancy up for grabs
- Competitive salary, including a post-graduate initiative, ranging $74,839.35 - $90,714.36
- Based in our Whangarei Site, Te Tai Tokerau region

Hei awhitanga nga mahi o Te Tai Tokerau. Tu te Tangata, Tu te Rohe, Tu te Mana. Tihei, tihei mauri ora (embrace the collective response with communities).

Our Social Workers say they work at Oranga Tamariki because they have the opportunity to change the lives of tamariki and young people, make a difference and help our kids get a better life. Do you want to be a part of that? If so, look no further we have the role for you

'It takes a whole village to raise tamariki' we are offering a renewed sense of community and a unique opportunity for social workers to join our growing whānau orientated team at Teaotahi site - where you will be encouraged and supported to work effectively with Māori using Te Toka Tumoana, our indigenous and bicultural principled framework.

In these fast-paced roles, you will be expected to operate collectively with a team of social workers and other critical thinkers, inclusive of whānau hapū, iwi and communities. Tamariki do not live-in isolation; they sit at the centre of a whānau and sometimes caregiving families.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and that of the community we serve. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of mana (prestige), tika & pono (doing things the right way), aroha (love) and whākapapa (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our site plan.

This role represents an opportunity to shape a new way of working with culturally grounded solutions and innovations that support our approach and direction toward transformational change for the care and protection system - one that builds on the good things that are already happening, and, most importantly, innovates to find new ways of doing things to achieve better outcomes for all.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

At our Teaotahi site in Whangarei, we work alongside our community partners to bring about positive outcomes for our children, young people and their whānau. Our Social Workers at Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children manage a variety of tasks using the latest assessment frameworks; you will work hard to get quality outcomes for mokopuna and whānau.

A big part of your day will be working with children and young people to ensure their voices are heard. You will complete assessments, reports and formal Family Court documents, create plans, complete referrals, participate in Family Group Conferences and partner with other agencies, stakeholders and the community to get the best outcomes for our tamariki. Your ability to overcome barriers and skill to drive positive outcomes will put you in good stead for this challenging and hugely rewarding role.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What will you bring?
- Cultural awareness and an understanding of Tikanga Māori principles
- A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
- A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
- A full, clean and valid driver's licence
- The ability to analyse and prepare social work and financial plans
- Sound judgement skills
- Strong organisational skills
- The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
- Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
- Good written skills as you will need to write court reports and case notes
- A positive outlook and supporting nature

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.