CGRS Social Worker - Gisborne

About the Role

We are seeking a Social Worker registered with the Social Worker Registration Board (SWRB) to join our Gisborne team in a specialised position focussing on recruiting, assessing, and supporting caregivers who play a crucial role in nurturing tamariki who cannot safely remain at home. This role entails working across the East Coast region to meet the needs of caregivers and the business.

As a Caregiver Social Worker, you will collaborate closely with caregivers to help them comprehend their role at various stages of a child's care journey. Utilizing your relationship management expertise and dedication to tailored support, you will prepare caregivers with the necessary resources, skills, and information to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for tamariki. Your support will extend across whānau and non-whānau caregivers, including emergency, respite, and long-term caregivers. You will also occasionally partner with iwi under Whanau Care and collaborate with iwi providers.

This multifaceted role involves working jointly with the child's Social Worker to identify key issues and craft personalised strategies, integrating support from multiple perspectives to foster successful outcomes for children in care. Coordination with other agencies, community groups, and providers to support caregivers is also expected. Strong written communication skills are essential due to the significant amount of assessment report writing involved.

We adopt a strengths-based approach and foster an environment of knowledge-sharing among our team to ensure everyone feels supported and confident in delivering exceptional outcomes. Comprehensive induction, ongoing training, supervision, and a supportive leadership network are provided.

About Us

Oranga Tamariki — Ministry for Children is dedicated to placing tamariki and rangatahi at the centre of its work. We uphold values including putting tamariki first, embodying aroha, respecting mana, acting with tika and pono, valuing whakapapa, and acknowledging that wellbeing is an ongoing journey. Our vision is to make New Zealand the best place to be a child, working in partnership with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations to find suitable solutions for tamariki in need.

What You Will Bring

• A recognised Social Work qualification registered with the Social Worker Registration Board (mandatory).
• Full SWRB registration and an annual practicing certificate, or the ability to obtain registration.
• Strong resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to upholding and practising the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Passion and a clear vision for supporting caregivers’ success.
• Exceptional relationship management skills.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication capabilities.
• A valid and clean New Zealand full driver's licence.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive remuneration package starting between NZD 81,000 and 97,000 annually depending on experience, with regular progression based on tenure. Our team environment is vibrant and supportive, offering flexible working arrangements and a genuine focus on wellbeing. Professional development and extensive training opportunities are provided to support your growth. We value diversity and are committed to maintaining an inclusive and respectful workplace.

Additional Information

Applications should include a CV and covering letter stating your work availability. Oranga Tamariki employees should apply using their official email login. The selection process will begin prior to the closing date on midnight 17th August 2026, so early applications are encouraged.

Candidates must adhere to the organisation’s code of conduct, including expectations to present at work unimpaired by drugs or alcohol.