Social Worker – Ōamaru Site

Company: New Zealand Government
Apply for the Social Worker – Ōamaru Site
Location: North East
Job Description:

Apply now for rewarding permanent, full-time social work career. Join our vibrant multi‑cultural office in Ōamaru Site. We are offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience.

About the role

The wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi is everyone’s responsibility. They deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau and community. If these words capture why you became a Social Worker, then you belong on the journey we have begun at Oranga Tamariki.

What you will bring

  • A passion for working with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau, connecting, understanding and building relationships to help provide positive outcomes for them
  • Excellent relationship building skills particularly with te tamaiti
  • Strong Social Work assessment and critical thinking skills
  • A commitment to bi-cultural practice and a culturally responsive approach (including a good understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Social Worker qualification with SWRB Registration and current Annual Practicing Certificate
  • A range of technical skills and knowledge of Outlook and Word
  • Full NZ driver’s licence with no restrictions (historic convictions may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis)
  • Empathy, patience, and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
  • Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt to your audience
  • Great written skills as you will need to prepare social work plans, write court reports, case notes and other documents
  • Strong analytical skills and an ability to assess tamariki and rangatahi changing needs
  • Ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
  • A positive attitude and the ability to influence and empower our tamariki and rangatahi

Responsibilities

  • Meet with tamariki, rangatahi, their families and whānau to discuss their needs and aspirations
  • Complete assessments of need and formulate intervention plans
  • Participate in hui‑ā‑whānau, family group conferences and partner with other agencies, community groups and local iwi
  • Prepare social work plans, court reports, case notes and other documents
  • Manage risks and make tough decisions as required

Benefits

  • Supportive team and regular supervision to achieve personal and professional goals
  • Annual fees paid for your SWRB/ANZASW membership
  • Access to our Puawai in‑house induction programme and ongoing training thereafter
  • Colleagues united in their commitment to the highest standards of relational, inclusive, and restorative social work practice
  • A genuine commitment to wellbeing and a manageable caseload
  • Competitive market salary between $81,206 and $97,557, depending on experience
  • Opportunities for professional development and building a professional network with colleagues across the wider children’s workforce
  • Work in an inclusive and respectful environment; diversity is welcomed

How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and covering letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz.

Applications close: Friday 12 June 2026. We will review CVs and invite candidates for interviews as soon as possible.

The advert may be removed once all roles are filled.

Applicants should familiarize themselves with our code of conduct, which explains expectations for our kaimahi and requires them to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.

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Posted: June 4th, 2026