Social Worker

Role title: Social Worker

Hours: 30 hours per week

• 18 hours per week on-site at Pukekohe High School (across three school days)

• 12 hours per week at Mai Lighthouse (general referrals)

Reports to: Mai Lighthouse Practice Manager (for employment and practice)

Functional relationship: Deputy Principal – Attendance, Pukekohe High School

Location: Pukekohe High School & Mai Lighthouse Start Date: Wednesday 21st January (and on completion of satisfactory Police Vet)

Purpose of the role

Strengthen attendance outcomes for rangatahi at Pukekohe High School and provide safe, early social work support for students and their whānau.

Provide general social work support to community referrals through Mai Lighthouse on the remaining two workdays.

This role reflects the shared commitment between Pukekohe High School and Mai Lighthouse to provide support, responsive communication and joined-up practice.

About Mai Lighthouse and Pukekohe High School

Mai Lighthouse is a not-for-profit organisation supporting whānau across Franklin and North Waikato. We provide practical, wraparound support and work alongside community partners to help people access the services they need.

With a roll of close to 1900 students  Pukekohe High School aims to provide a holistic education for learners with a strong emphasis on academic qualifications, co-curricular experiences, student leadership and pastoral care. It has high expectations for its young people in terms of their effort, behaviour and attendance.

Key responsibilities

1. Social work support at Pukekohe High School (18 hours)

• Holding a case load of around 20–30 students, mainly Years 9–10

• Receiving referrals from the Attendance Team, Guidance Team, Kaitiaki and Senior Leadership Team

• Meeting regularly with the Deputy Principal responsible for attendance and Mai Lighthouse's Practice Manager

• Participating in attendance team processes and contributing to the STAR attendance plan

• Updating school partners on progress

• Handling student and whānau information safely and respectfully

• Escalating any child protection concerns immediately following agreed pathways

• Keeping accurate records and following Mai Lighthouse practice standards, safety processes and supervision requirements

A designated workspace will be provided within the Guidance area at Pukekohe High School.

2. Social work support at Mai Lighthouse (12 hours)

On the remaining two days, you will work from our Pukekohe office providing general social work support.

This includes:

• Assessing needs and creating simple, achievable plans with whānau

• Receive allocated clients and families with complex needs and ensure that they receive appropriate levels of help and support

• Linking clients into internal and external services where helpful

• Keeping accurate records and following Mai Lighthouse practice standards, safety processes and supervision requirements

3. Partnership and communication

• Maintain open, respectful communication with school staff and Mai Lighthouse colleagues.

• Attend operational check-ins and joint planning discussions as required.

• Contribute to safe, culturally grounded practice that upholds mana motuhake for rangatahi and whānau.

4. Health and safety

• Follow Mai Lighthouse safety protocols when working onsite or offsite.

• Participate in Pukekohe High School's induction and health and safety requirements.

• Ensure personal safety plans are in place for home visits or offsite meetings.

Key relationships

• Mai Lighthouse Practice Manager
• Deputy Principal – Attendance (Pukekohe High School)
• Attendance Team, Kaitiaki and Guidance Department
• Wider Mai Lighthouse Team
• Students, whānau and community partners

Required qualifications and experience

• Recognised Social Work qualification

• Registration with the Social Worker Registration Board and current practising certificate (as required in MOU).

• Experience working with rangatahi and whānau

• Strong understanding of attendance-related challenges and early intervention approaches

• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally grounded practice

• Strong record-keeping, communication and safety practice

Personal attributes

• Warm, calm and steady in pressured situations

• Able to build trust with rangatahi

• Works well in a school environment and as part of a wider wraparound team

• Clear communicator

• Upholds confidentiality and safe practice at all times