Social Worker

• Multiple Permanent Social Worker positions available in our National Contact Centre
• Evening and Business hours available
• Ability to work remotely in one of our hubs : East Coast, Christchurch, Hamilton, Auckland CBD

Mō te tūnga | About the role

• This is an exciting opportunity join a dynamic and dedicated team as part of a 24/7 national child protection service.
• You will respond to critical/very urgent situations and work alongside key partners including the Police, Health (Emergency Department, Crisis Assessment Team), Care Partners and Oranga Tamariki caregivers.
• You will liaise with frontline site Social Workers to co-ordinate and respond to critical situations in and outside of normal working hours.
• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them and their whānau to make decisions/plans at a time of crisis.
• Work with various cultural groups and people from different backgrounds.
• Complete initial assessments on tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, working with notifiers and whānau for the best outcomes and solutions.
• You will work alongside frontline staff to ensure you are briefed on any situations which could potentially arise, as well as briefing staff on any situations which have arisen, to ensure a smooth handover/transition.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• The ability to analyse and manage risk (including escalation of risk) and identify the needs of tamariki
• Ability to make tough decisions quickly and in a fast-paced environment including developing initial safety plans
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
• Great written skills as you will need to write case notes and other documents eg briefing notes for colleagues
• A degree of flexibility and agility to respond to an evolving way of working
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture
• Must have at least 3 years of Intake and Assessment Experience

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

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.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

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 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.

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:

Hurry as applications for this role close 19th November 2025

Please note: we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now

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."