(Christchurch) SWiS - Social Worker in Schools

Based in Central Christchurch:

• Permanent fulltime position (40 hours)
• Monday- Friday between 8.30 – 5.30 pm

PSUSI: Working to achieve a just, compassionate and inclusive society 

Kei te tae ana te ngākau- achieving a heart of love 

Ngā mōhiohio e pā ana ke tēnei mahi (About the position)

The SWiS role involves working collaboratively within the allocated school cluster and local community to provide high quality, professional and goal orientated social work interventions and initiatives for children, young people and their families. The work requires the ability to identify the clients strengths and work with their strengths, resources, resilience and problem solving abilities in order to maximise social, educational and wellbeing outcomes. You will be working as part of a team and bringing your experience to support the Team Leader with mentoring within the team. 

This position supports the delivering of the SWiS initiative which has a particular focus on working with children, young people and their families at all stages of complexity in conjunction with the schools and the wider community. 

The role offers stimulating and rewarding work within a team environment providing and creating opportunities to contribute to strengthening Tamariki, whānau, schools and the community. 

He aha ta matou e tuku atu ki a koe  (What we can offer you) 

• Employer Subsidised Health Insurance cover (working minimum 20 hours per week) 
• An opportunity to make a difference, working with a range of cultures within New Zealand
• Work with highly passionate motivated people
• Central location
• A people focused culture (he tangata he tangata he tangata) 
• Flexible working policy and environment 
• Stimulating, challenging and rewarding work 
• Teamwork:  Te Korowai PSUSI has a supportive fun team 
• Up to date IT systems 
• A safe, healthy and supportive work environment
• Extra leave entitlements like Birthday and Whānau Leave!
• EAP and employee benefits programmes (www.myboost.co.nz) 
• This role will attract SW Pay Equity for a successful candidate who meet the criteria within this equity framework 

Ko wai he kaitono tōtika? (Who is an ideal applicant?)

Our ideal Candidate will:

• Have 4-5 years’ experience as a Social Worker 
• Able to provide effective individualised support, advocacy and case management for children and their families/whānau. 
• Has the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships within the school and with relevant community agencies 
• Demonstrated experience working with similar client base and an understanding of the range of opportunities and challenges influencing this group 
• A working knowledge of relevant legislations including Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and Family Violence Act 2018 
• Sound computer skills including the use of email, internet and Microsoft applications (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and the ability to learn new client management systems quickly
• Demonstrated ability to respect and adheres to confidentiality and professional boundaries 
• Hold knowledge of relevant community networks and resources including those important to Maori and Pacifika families 
• Have experience in liaising with other stakeholder groups – e.g. OT, Work and Income, schools, Special Education, health providers, other relevant community agencies 
• Have group facilitation experience and the ability to facilitate group programmes ( independently or co delivery) and effective evaluate of the outcomes. 
• Capture and maintain accurate and timely client information using the relevant database. This includes maintaining client details, assessment information, evaluations, goal plans, and activity management 
• Ensure progress and statistical data is recorded regularly, accurately and consistently 
• Timely collation and provision of reporting information as requested by Team leader ; this may include case studies or and narrative related to service delivery 
• Work effectively in a team environment and have the ability and experience to support the Team leader to be a mentor within the team 
• Have a high degree of professional integrity and honesty, able to manage sensitive information confidentially.
• Holds a full clean driver’s licence 

Ko wai mātou (About us)

Presbyterian Support aims to create a better life for everyone. Our social services are focused on whakawhanaungatanga and manākitanga (relationships and hospitality) to help build safer, stronger, more connected families/whānau and communities. This includes supporting older people/kaumātua to maintain their wellbeing and positive social connections as they age and helping children/tamariki, teens/rangatahi and families/whānau to learn, grow and thrive.

We have sites across the upper South Island covering the Tasman & Marlborough (Te Tau Ihu o te waka a Maui), West Coast (Te Tai Poutini) and Canterbury districts (Ōtautahi & Hakatere).

How do I apply? - Me pehea ahau e tono ai?

Nau Mai Haere Mai 

Does this sound like the ideal role for you? 

If you match the above criteria, click apply now with your CV and a Cover letter!

Hurry! Applications close 22nd November 2024 at 5pm. We will consider applications as they are submitted and not wait for the final closing date. 

Expected start date mid to late January 2025. 

You can view this listing on Seek.

Confidential enquiries about the role are welcome to Steve Thomas on stevet@psusi.org.nz

Read the job description here.