- Permanent, fulltime positions available
- Positions based at the Horowhenua Site
- We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience
Are you driven by making long term impacts on the lives of tamariki and rangatahi to ensure a better path and journey for them in life? Are you fuelled by working in a team who are passionate and value the safety and well-being of tamariki and rangatahi?
At the Horowhenua site we are working with tamariki and wh nau to make positive changes in our community. We acknowledge that there is much work to do but we are up for it.
If you think you have what it takes, then apply to join our team at Horowhenua. Our Site works hard to do things differently within the foundation of a wh nau led approach focused on awhi and supporting wh nau in mana-enhancing ways.
Mo te tunga | About the role
In this fast-paced role, you will have the privilege to work in our community, with wh nau and closely with other social services to ensure a joined-up response to meeting the needs of the wh nau we are working with. We work hard to engage sustainable support that will keep tamariki safe and in the care of their wh nau first and foremost. So, if you think you have what it takes, and you are dedicated to supporting wh nau with achieving positive change in our community, then we want to hear from you.
- Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them or their wh nau to make positive changes
- Work with various cultural groups and people from different backgrounds
- Complete initial safety checks and assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and wh nau
- Holding a hui; supporting wh nau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
- Be involved in planning interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their wh nau
- Work alongside partners in our community, non-government organisations and state sector agencies
- Be an advocate on behalf of tamariki and rangatahi to ensure they have the support and resources needed to reach their full potential.
Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring
Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Social Worker who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role in a non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and/or someone who has worked within Oranga Tamariki previously.
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
- A strong and genuine commitment to strength-based practice
- Proven expertise and social work practice in child protection and an understanding of New Zealand Legislation that relates to the safety of children and young people
- A full, clean, current driver's licence
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated resilience, problem solving techniques and flexibility
- Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills
- An authentic commitment to working alongside wh nau is essential
- Soft skills, emotional empathy, teamwork and leadership.
- Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga M ori, and Pacific peoples' culture
What's in it for you | Nou te rourou
In return we provide a fascinating, rewarding and committed team environment where we offer a competitive salary and generous benefits - https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/
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.
Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $81,206 to $97,557 dependant on experience.
Mo m tou | About us
Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.
Our vision is to ensure New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.
Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment of 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.
Location and lifestyle | Horowhenua
Horowhenua offers a blend of coastal and mountainous scenery, unique local food and wine, a growing community, and a relaxed lifestyle, making it an attractive place to live and work. Its attractions include fresh local produce, a burgeoning wine region, picturesque gardens, and walking trails, all while being close to other parts of the lower North Island, such as Palmerston North and K piti Coast.
Live and work in Horowhenua
Me pehea 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 [email protected]
Applications close: Monday 8th September 2025, however we will be reviewing CVs and inviting preferred candidates to interview so get your applications in now. Please note we do reserve the right to close the advert once all roles are filled.
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.
