Social Worker - Lower Hutt

The wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi is everyone's responsibility. They deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving wh nau and community.

If these words capture why, you became a Social Worker, then you belong on the journey we have begun at Oranga Tamariki. We're looking for qualified, registered, and experienced Social Workers who want to make a real difference by putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything they do.

Lower Hutt is located in the Wellington region, with Te Ati Awa as Mana whenua. It offers a vibrant and dynamic community with a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, nestled between picturesque hills and the stunning Wellington Harbour. Lower Hutt is renowned for its excellent schools, diverse recreational facilities, and thriving local businesses. With easy access to central Wellington and a range of housing options, it's an ideal place for families and professionals alike. Whether you're enjoying the scenic river trails, exploring the art and culture scene, or indulging in the region's culinary delights, Lower Hutt provides an exceptional lifestyle that balances work and leisure

About the role | Mo te tunga

Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them or their wh nau to make positive changes. We work with various cultural groups and people from different backgrounds to be an advocate on behalf of tamariki and rangatahi, and to ensure they have the support and resources needed to reach their full potential. You will also:

• Complete full assessments on tamariki, rangatahi and wh nau
• Hold and facilitate hui's, with a focus on supporting wh nau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
• Be involved in planning and delivering interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their wh nau
• Work alongside partners in our community, non-government organisations and state sector agencies

What's in it for you | Nou te rourou

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. 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. We also offer:

• A competitive market salary between $81,206 to $97,557
• A challenging, fascinating, and highly rewarding career with many opportunities for professional development and building your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforce
• Ongoing training, regular supervision to support you in achieving your personal and professional goals and annual fees paid for your SWRB/ANZASW membership
• Colleagues who are united in their commitment to the highest standards of relational, inclusive, and restorative social work practice

What you will bring | Ng pumanawatanga ou

Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Social Worker who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role for a non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and/or within Oranga Tamariki previously.

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or eligible to apply
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
• Experience within the child protection sector, preferably within NZ
• The ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans e.g. financial
• Able to demonstrate sound judgement and organisational skills
• The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
• Great written skills as you will need to write court reports, case notes and other documents

About us | Mo m tou

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 hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

We are committed to 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.

How to Apply | Me pehea te tuku tono

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 info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

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.

Applications close: Monday 5 May 2025, however we will be reviewing CV's as we go so get your applications in now!!