Social Worker

• Based at our Kaitaia Site, Te Tai Tokerau
• Competitive salary ranging between $81,206 to $97,557 depending on experience

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).

'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 Kaitaia site - where you will be encouraged and supported to work effectively with Māori using Te Toka Tumoana, our indigenous and bicultural principled framework.

Te Toka Tumoana is built on the integrity and distinctness of Māori beliefs and practices, to advance tamariki ora within the context of our work. We believe an entire community of people must actively support, promote, and advance the mana of tai tamariki for those tamariki to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment.

Mō te tūnga | About the role
The role requires a passion to actively keep tamariki in the hearts and minds of everything we do. You will apply the principles of mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whanaungatanga to your practice, to ensure you are responsive to tamariki and whānau Māori. It's more than a job, it's an opportunity to improve the lived experiences of tamariki and their caregiving communities. We recognise the importance of Kaimahi ora (staff wellbeing) and are committed to ensuring you receive regular supervision and take the necessary breaks needed to restore Oranga and wellbeing.

Some key activities for these roles will include:

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them or their family/whānau to make positive changes
• Work alongside various cultural groups and people from different backgrounds
• Complete safety checks and assessments on the child, young person, and family/whānau
• Work alongside partners in our community, non-government organisations and state sector agencies
• Transition children and young people back to their families/whānau or into their forever home
• Be an advocate on behalf of tamariki to ensure they have the support and resources needed to reach their full potential

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring
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
• Cultural awareness and an understanding of Tikanga Māori principles
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to analyse and prepare social work and financial plans
• Demonstrated resilience, problem solving techniques and flexibility
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture

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

This is a chance to give back to your community.

"Our people need us; our knowledge, skills and experience. If you have built your kete and are up for a challenge, why not come home and give back like I have. It's time to give back to those that have paved the way before us, to carry on that mahi and lead the way for the next generation to come forward" - Oranga Social Worker

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

Applications for this role closes 31st October 2025
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.