Family Whanau Worker

• Part Time
• Application Closes 29 Nov 2025
• Southland - Gore
• Child, Family and School Social Worker

Mō te tūnga | About the role:

Are you passionate about supporting families and helping tamariki thrive? This is a meaningful opportunity to join a values-driven organisation that's been making a difference in Southland for generations. As a Family Whānau Worker based in Gore, you'll deliver the Family Start Programme directly to clients in their homes, working alongside whānau to improve health, education, and wellbeing outcomes for children.

This role is all about building strong relationships, walking alongside families, and helping them navigate life's challenges with confidence and support. You'll be part of a supportive team, backed by a well-established organisation committed to inclusive, culturally responsive practice—and to meeting the high standards required for Family Start delivery.

We understand life can be busy, so we offer flexibility—this role is up to 32 hours per week, and we'll work with you to find a schedule that suits both you and the team.

Ngā kawenga | Key responsibilities:

• building and maintaining relationships with families
• undertake Family Start programme needs assessments to identify strengths, risks, and support needs
• developing, reviewing and monitoring family plans in partnership with whānau and other agencies
• advocate for families and connect them with appropriate services and resources
• attending and actively participating in supervision sessions

Ngā pūkenga | What you will need to be successful:

• a tertiary qualification in social work, social services, health, education or a related field (consideration will be given to candidates who are nearing completion of their qualifications)
• experience and passion for working with children, young people, and families
• previous experience working collaboratively with colleagues and external providers from other disciplines
• a commitment to professional growth, teamwork, providing services in the spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi and the values of Presbyterian Support Southland
• a working knowledge of Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and other relevant NZ legislation
• a full, NZ driver's licence

Mō mātou | About us:

Family Works is an initiative of Presbyterian Support Southland and we offer a widespread range of support services to families/whānau, children and young people in the region. From counselling and social work support through to parenting programmes, we work alongside families as they face challenges and we support them to flourish.

We provide essential services today for tomorrow's generations in our community.

At the heart of our work is an understanding that:

• Life is challenging
• The role of parents is crucial and the most important job anyone will ever have
• Families are the best places to grow happy, healthy children and young people
• Families are the backbone of each and every community

Why you'll love working here:

• opportunities for personal and professional growth
• a supportive environment for achieving work-life balance and competitive wages that recognise your talents and contributions
• we are committed to excellence, innovation and shaping a workplace culture that values every individual
• a supportive team that cares about you and your family
• enjoy discounts and offers across a range of goods and services

Applications:

If you would like a role that supports the health, education and welfare outcomes for the children of Southland please apply online by following the link below.

If you have any queries please email

(Interviews and appointments with suitably experienced candidates may be conducted prior to closing date, so don't delay apply today)

Please note to be considered for this role you will need to have the right to work in New Zealand and pre-employment checks may include criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing and a medical assessment.