Social Worker

5 days ago

Christchurch Central, New Zealand Barnardos Full time NZ$60,000 - NZ$90,000 per year

Barnardos is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join our Attendance Service team. This role works directly with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to improve school attendance, engagement, and wellbeing.

This is a permanent, full time (40 hours per week) opportunity, based in Christchurch.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you'll collaborate with schools, iwi, Pasifika providers, and community agencies to address barriers to education. You'll build trusted relationships, apply trauma-informed practice, and support whānau to lead positive change.

Your role:

  • Provide holistic social work support in schools, homes, and communities
  • Ensure the wellbeing and safety of Tamariki/rangatahi
  • Assess needs and develop strengths-based intervention plans
  • Ensure referrals are managed in a timely manner with clear communication
  • Participate in case management, assessment and planning meetings
  • Partner with whānau to support tamariki's return to education
  • Build strong relationships with whānau, schools and community networks
  • Maintain a visible presence at each school within the catchment area
  • Promote wellbeing, safety, and resilience for tamariki and whānau

What you'll bring:

  • Full SWRB registration and a current practising certificate (essential)
  • 3+ years' social work experience (essential)
  • Experience working with tamariki/rangatahi and whānau with complex needs (essential)
  • Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed practice, and family dynamics (essential)
  • Cultural responsiveness and experience working with Māori and Pasifika communities (desirable)
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
  • Full, clean New Zealand drivers' license (essential)

Culture

This work can sometimes be challenging. You will need resilience and a passion for working with youth, be flexible, have a positive attitude, and exhibit the ability to build strong professional relationships with young people, whanau/families, staff, and service providers.  

Embody Our Values

  • Kotahitanga (Unity): Cultivate a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships with tamariki, rangatahi, colleagues, and the wider community
  • Mahi Tōtika (Excellence): Demonstrate unwavering integrity and purpose in all aspects of your work, striving for the highest standards of care
  • Kaikōkiritanga (Innovation): Drive positive change with creativity, constantly seeking new and effective ways to support tamariki and rangatahi
  • Āta Whakarongo (Active Listening): Let tamariki and rangatahi voices shape your approach, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making
  • Māiatanga (Empowerment): Nurture growth and unlock potential in tamariki, rangatahi, and colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development

About Barnardos Aotearoa 

For over 55 years Barnardos has been shaping brighter futures together with children and families in Aotearoa. Our mahi across social services, early learning and advocacy for children's rights and wellbeing means we're there for the whole childhood journey, and beyond.

For a copy of the position description, please contact

Ready to create positive ripples? Apply now and let's transform young lives together

We will commence interviews as applications are received.

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