Social Worker in Schools
Make a real difference in the lives of children, young people and whānau.
Ko mātou tēnei I This is Us
We believe that everyone should be able to actively contribute to their community and thrive. Our team of 900 stretches from Taupo to Whangarei, and provides access to critical health and social services. We are renowned for our core services Enliven, Family Works, Lifeline and Shine.
Everything we do is informed by our purpose to enable our clients to have a better life; and our values of Hope, Trust & Integrity, Compassion, Partnership, Tangata Whenua.
Family Works Northern is a champion for children, providing professional counselling and social work in communities and schools and delivering programmes that bring about lasting change.
Te Kowhiringa I The Opportunity
Our Family Works New Lynn team is looking for a Social Worker to join our Social Work in Schools (SWIS) service. This is a great opportunity for a graduate with some experience working with children or a social worker early in their career who is passionate about supporting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to thrive.
Working alongside local schools in Helensville and Massey, you’ll provide early intervention and preventative social work support to children, young people and their whānau. You’ll manage a caseload and work across both individual and group settings, helping identify challenges early and supporting families to make positive, lasting change.
Our approach is strengths-based and multi-systemic, recognising the important role that whānau, schools and communities play in supporting children and young people.
No two days will be the same. You’ll build relationships with students, whānau, teachers and other professionals, respond to a range of needs, and be part of a team that is committed to making a meaningful difference.
A little about the role:
· Work within local schools across Helensville and Massey
· Provide early intervention and preventative social work support
· Manage a caseload of children, young people and whānau
· Deliver individual and group-based support
· Work collaboratively with schools, whānau and other services
· Use a strengths-based, multi-systemic approach to support positive outcomes
· Travel between schools as required
· Use your own reliable vehicle for work purposes, with mileage reimbursement provided
This is a fixed-term position through to 30 June 2027.
Graduates and social workers with limited experience are encouraged to apply. We’re looking for someone who is open to learning, relationship-focused and genuinely committed to supporting children and whānau.
Ngā pūkenga kei a koe I Your Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role, you’ll be a warm, approachable and engaging Social Worker who can build strong relationships with children, young people, whānau and schools.
You will have:
· A tertiary qualification specialising in Social Work
· Current registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB)
· Experience working with children, young people or whānau; experience in a school setting would be an advantage
· A full, clean NZ driver's licence and reliable vehicle for work purposes
· Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
· The ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, whānau, schools and colleagues
· The ability to maintain professional boundaries and work within practice requirements and agreed KPIs
· A confident working knowledge of Tikanga Māori and a commitment to working respectfully with Tangata Whenua
· A genuine passion for supporting children, young people and whānau to achieve positive change
Ngā āhuatanga hirahira o te mahi nei I Highlights of Working with Us
Boost Programme: Instant access to special offers, gym memberships, and seasonal holiday deals across 50+ popular Kiwi brands.
Referral Bonus: A $200 reward for every successful referral of a friend or family member to PSN wide.
Employee Recognition: Company recognition for continued years of service. Nomination of employees for living the company values.
Long Service Leave: An extra 5 days of leave applied at 5 years of service.
KiwiSaver: Contributions provided in addition to your base salary.
Leave Purchasing: The option to apply to purchase up to 10 additional days of annual leave each year.
Wellbeing Support: Confidential support and online resources for you and your family through the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Flu Vaccination: Free annual flu vaccinations provided to help protect your health and wellbeing.
PSN Scholarship: Financial and academic support opportunities to fund your professional development and higher education.
We are committed to creating a diverse work place where you can look forward to feeling included and valued for your contribution. Examples of our commitment, include that we are a dementia friendly organisation, a DVFREE Tick Accredited employer, a member of Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion; and a member of the Pride Pledge.
Our people are critical to our success. Part of working as part of our team means that you will have access to:
Contact Recruitment@psn.org.nz if you have any questions or would like a copy of the Role Profile.
To check out our Careers page, please copy and paste https://careers.psn.org.nz/ into your browser to learn more about us and working here, including other exciting opportunities with us.
E hika ma, Tono a mai! (What are you waiting for)… join our team and be part of the solution!
- Service
- Family Works
- Role
- Social Worker in Schools
- Locations
- New Lynn