Settlement Social Worker

Settlement Social Worker

Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Palmerston North

Come join us and keep growing with plenty of training and professional development along the way! We're looking for a qualified Social Worker who’s registered with the Social Workers Registration Board of New Zealand.

We’ve got your back—covering your ANZASW membership, practising certificate costs, and giving you access to external supervision. Plus, you’ll get five weeks of annual leave and 12 wellbeing days every year to help keep life in balance.

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

Our Social Workers deliver comprehensive assessments, social work, and settlement support for former refugees arriving under New Zealand’s refugee quota and resettling in Palmerston North. They provide effective case management and coordinate crisis support while also offering guidance and assistance to settlement case workers and cross-cultural workers, particularly in complex casework situations.

Who are we looking for? – Mā‎ wai te mahi nei?

To be successful you will have:

• Have a tertiary social work qualification
• Have a full registration with the Social Workers Registration Board New Zealand
• Carry out thorough assessments and offer social work support, micro-counselling, and skill-building services to clients
• Assist clients in developing and achieving settlement plans, providing home visits, and onward referrals
• Undertake case work with individuals and families and coordinate crisis support when needed
• Offer guidance and support to settlement and cross-cultural case workers, especially when working through complex situations
• Demonstrate strengths-based social work and cross-cultural understanding.
• Hold a full New Zealand Drivers Licence

About New Zealand Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with over 13,000 members and employees dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and increasing community resilience.

Guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, we support people in times of need and help strengthen their resilience.

We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.

Why work with us?

At New Zealand Red Cross, you’ll join a passionate and diverse team that values your contributions and shares your commitment to making a difference.

We are committed to represent the communities we serve, increasing diversity throughout our people and leadership, and creating a flexible and healthy work environment. Many roles offer flexible virtual/hybrid options to help our employees balance their personal and professional priorities.

Our benefits include:

• Five weeks annual leave
• Career development opportunities
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Discounts on Southern Cross health insurance

We also encourage employee networks, including Takatāpui and Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori and the Sustainability Network, to foster connection and collaboration across our diverse workforce.

Click below to download the job description and to apply for this position please click the 'Apply Now' button to be taken to the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page. If you are already viewing this via the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page, please click the active job description link below.

Please submit your application online, as we’re unable to accept direct applications. Your application must include the following documentation:

• A recent copy of CV/Resume

• Cover Letter

• Passport

• Legal Right to Work In New Zealand

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this job. Applications close at 05:00 pm on 14/10/2026.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for further information, please contact Govinda Regmi at [email protected]

Note: We reserve the right to close applications before the closing date, so please register your interest early.

Click here for the Job Description