Practice Lead/Social Worker

About the role

The Practice Lead position is a hands-on leadership role requiring confident decision-making, high professional standards, and the ability to coach and develop our team of advocates. Working for Whanganui Women's Refuge – Te Piringa Puna Wāhine, you will oversee the day-to-day service delivery, ensuring consistent practice of Refuge services.

As a charity, we operate in a highly accountable environment. This role requires someone with an understanding of NGO practices and Governance Boards.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day service delivery and provide the provision of excellent client services
• Provide leadership and direction to advocates
• Maintain Crisis Line roster to ensure 24-hour coverage
• Train, induct, and upskill new advocates and crisis line volunteers
• Make safe, timely decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Provide advocacy support and brief intervention to clients
• Oversee the operation of the safe house
• Report to Operations Manager with regular updates on service and staff matters
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community, statutory agencies and other social services related service providers
• Travel within Aotearoa New Zealand (sometimes overnight)
• Develop and maintain networks with other related and appropriate community organisations

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualification and current Full NZ driver licence
• Proven leadership experience including supporting new employees
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to use data input systems
• Permanent residence in NZ
• Previous experience in working with women and children who experience family violence, risk assessments, safety planning and crisis response
• Confidence in having difficult conversations while remaining respectful and fair

About us

Whanganui Women's Refuge (WWR) has been operating since the 1980's, providing services and support to women and children experiencing family violence and assisting them to move forward with their lives. WWR is a women's-based organisation which has a guiding principle of creating positive change within communities, by providing support, advocacy, education and ensuring empowerment for all women and children to make better choices for themselves and their families. WWR is an affiliated member of the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuge (NCIWR) and is committed to working in a manner consistent with the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.