Social Worker

Are you passionate about helping create a better future for tamariki and rangatahi? Do you thrive on taking initiative and creating meaningful change from day one? If so, we'd love to hear from you

At Barnardos Aotearoa, we're seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join our Foster Care team. This is your chance to make a real difference while working with a supportive, professional team that's committed to excellence and positive outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, whanau and their caregivers.

This is a permanent, full-time (40 hours per week) role, based in Mangere, Auckland

What You'll Do

As a Social Worker with us, you'll:

• Provide trauma-informed and professional support to caregivers, tamariki, and whānau in the foster care system.
• Hit the ground running, proactively advocating for and addressing the needs of tamariki and their caregivers.
• Uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in every aspect of your practice.
• Undertake in-depth caregiver assessments and maintain accurate, insightful records of the progress and needstamariki progress and needs.
• Collaborate effectively with stakeholders, including Oranga Tamariki, iwi, education, healthcare professionals, and community organisations.
• Apply your knowledge of the effects of abuse and trauma to help tamariki on their healing journey.
• Recruit, assess, and support caregivers across the Auckland region, helping them provide therapeutic, relational care.
• Be flexible to meet the needs of tamariki and caregivers, including occasional work outside regular hours and participation in an on-call roster.

What We're Looking For

To thrive in this role, you'll bring:

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) (essential)
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working with vulnerable tamariki and whānau.
• Strong Relationship-Building Skills: Ability to build trust and maintain supportive relationships with a diverse range tamariki, whānau, and caregivers and external stakeholders
• Expertise in Trauma-Informed Practice: Understanding the impact of trauma and attachment on tamariki and using evidence-based frameworks to support healing.
• Excellent written and assessment skills, with an ability to document and evaluate effectively.
• Previous facilitation skills or experience in training would be a bonus.
• Cultural Competence and Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi: the ability to practice in a way that respects cultural diversity and honours Te Tiriti principles.
• An ability to problem-solve with innovative solutions that are flexible to the needs of those we serve.
• A current full, clean NZ driver's license (essential)
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and training, including the opportunity to specialise in Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP)—an attachment-based, trauma-informed framework designed to support tamariki with complex needs.

Why Join Us?

At Barnardos Aotearoa, we're proud to offer:

• A family-friendly organisation that values work-life balance.
• Discounted childcare in home-based or centre environments.
• A commitment to your ongoing professional development.
• A passionate, high-performing team dedicated to creating brighter futures for Kiwi kids.

About Barnardos Aotearoa

As the leading children's charity in Aotearoa, Barnardos is all about doing more for Kiwi kids. Every year, we make a real and positive difference in the lives of thousands of tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau. With a focus on innovation, compassion, and excellence, we're building an Aotearoa where every child has the opportunity to shine in their own unique way.

For a copy of the position description, or any other questions, please email

This role closes on 29 November 2025, however we will progress applicants as they are received, so may close early if we find a suitable candidate.