Specialist Child Interviewer (Social Worker)

Improve the lives of children and young people in a challenging yet rewarding working environment

Based at the Specialist Childs Interview Unit on Sir William Pickering Drive, CHC

Secondment or fixed term opportunity until Jan 2028

Are you looking for a challenge and want to work at a strategic level in collaboration with Police? If you have strong leadership qualities, a high standard of social work practice, credibility within the social work sectors and are able to build effective working relationships with others - this may be an opportunity for you.

Mo te tunga | About the role

Starting on 7/9/2026 the position will be based at the Specialist Childs Interview Unit on Sir William Pickering Drive, CHC, be full time and the successful person would be involved in interviewing and monitoring Specialist Child Interviews. You must be an experienced Registered Social Worker.

Previous Level 3 training in Specialist Child Interviewing and demonstrated experience to an accreditation level would be an advantage. If not, then confirmation that there is availability to attend the next Police/ Oranga Tamariki national training course on 21st - 25th September 2026.

Other tasks such as presentation of site trainings and social work support will be involved with attention to maintaining of robust and helpful relationships with Police and other collaborating partners.

This role includes daily connection, collaboration and support with the Police colleagues in the team. The information we are working with is of an evidential and sensitive nature. Due to these factors this is an office-based position.

The interviewer will be supervised by the Clinical Services SCI Supervisor.

Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring

If you are considering this role as a secondment, please ensure your manager would be supportive to release you for this secondment prior to applying.

You will also be required to attend a specialist child interview training at the police college from 21st September - 25th September

Previous experience with Oranga Tamariki would be an advantage

Previous experience in care and protection social work field would be an advantage

A full, clean, current drivers licence

Registration with the Social Workers Registration Board

Have strong experience in care and protection work

Knowledge and / or experience of Oranga Tamariki Practice Framework, Treaty of Waitangi commitments and other relevant documents.

Sound knowledge of child development, disability and trauma presentations of tamariki.

Demonstrated ability to work in collaborative relationships with Oranga Tamariki sites, Police Child Protection Teams, and other stakeholders.

A sound knowledge of relevant legislation specific to Specialist Child Interviews.

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. 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.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and to and what you bring.

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 Nikki Eastgate - Supervisor Specialist Child Interviewer via nikki.eastgate@ot.govt.nz

Applications for this role close on Sunday 9th August 2026

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 influence of both drugs and alcohol