Social Worker - Care Placement Support

About the Role

We invite experienced, relationship-centered Social Workers to contribute to the Care Placement Support Social Work service, a collaboration between Barnardos and Oranga Tamariki. This full-time fixed-term position entails 40 hours per week at the Waitākere office, through to September 1, 2027. The role involves being embedded within Oranga Tamariki while maintaining professional supervision, support, and connections through Barnardos.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments and prepare detailed reports that guide planning and decision-making processes.
• Engage with parents and whānau, including those facing challenges such as mistrust or resistance.
• Understand individual journeys, strengths, challenges, and aspirations to guide support efforts.
• Support cases focused on safe return to family care.
• Assist long-term care situations aiming for permanency with caregivers and whānau.
• Develop collaborative relationships with Oranga Tamariki staff, caregivers, whānau, and professionals.
• Contribute to planning fostering stability, safety, connection, and positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Apply trauma-informed, child-centered, and culturally responsive practices consistently.

Candidate Requirements

• Possession of a recognized Social Work qualification and full registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).
• Hold a current, clean New Zealand driver’s license.
• Demonstrated experience working with tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau.
• Ability to work independently with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication abilities, including confident report writing and computer proficiency.
• Strong understanding of care and protection practice, trauma and attachment theory, and permanency planning.
• Exhibit sound professional judgment with clear boundaries able to handle complex situations.
• Skill in establishing trusting relationships with individuals who may have had difficult past service interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with Oranga Tamariki and diverse community partners.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally aware, strengths-based social work.

Work Culture and Values

This position demands resilience, flexibility, and a positive approach to building strong professional relationships with young people, families, staff, and service providers. A comprehensive induction is provided, with ongoing education and support.

Employees are expected to embody the following values:

• Kotahitanga (unity): Foster belonging through genuine connections with tamariki, rangatahi, colleagues, and the community.
• Mahi tōtika (excellence): Uphold integrity and strive for the highest standards in all work practices.
• Kaikōkiritanga (innovation): Continuously pursue creative improvements to support young people effectively.
• Āta whakarongo (active listening): Center the voices of tamariki and rangatahi in all decisions.
• Māiatanga (empowerment): Encourage growth and potential in young people and colleagues, cultivating continuous learning.

Why Join Barnardos Aotearoa?

• Become part of a respected national NGO with over 55 years’ experience in child welfare and advocacy.
• Access professional development opportunities, including training in trauma-informed care and current methodologies.
• Potential contribution towards SWRB registration fees on a pro-rata basis (negotiable).
• Enjoy family-friendly policies and flexibility where feasible.
• Competitive remuneration aligned with qualifications and experience (Pay Equity).
• Work alongside supportive colleagues with regular supervision and peer support.
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and youth.

About Barnardos Aotearoa

Barnardos Aotearoa is a children’s charity focused on empowering tamariki and whānau to thrive, regardless of circumstances. Providing comprehensive social services, early learning, care, and counseling, Barnardos serves over 30,000 children and families annually nationwide.