Social Worker

Mō te tūnga | About the role:

As a Social Worker at Family Works Invercargill, you’ll play a key role in delivering high‑quality, culturally responsive social work services that make a real difference in people’s lives.

In this role, you’ll walk alongside children, young people, and their families, helping them navigate challenges, build on their strengths, and develop plans that support long‑term wellbeing. You’ll provide professional, trauma‑informed and child‑centred practices, ensuring that the best interests of tamariki remain at the heart of every decision.

Relationship‑building is central to this mahi. You’ll collaborate closely with families, whānau, caregivers, local agencies, community groups, schools, and health providers. Your ability to problem-solve, advocate, communicate with clarity, and maintain strong partnerships will help ensure families receive the right support at the right time.

Compensation will be based on qualifications and experience, in line with Social Worker pay equity settlement. We offer flexibility in both location and hours, with applicants able to be based in  Invercargill or Queenstown. Part-time and full-time applications are welcome, and we'll work with the right candidate to find an arrangement that works for everyone.

Ngā kawenga | Key responsibilities:

• Provide culturally responsive social work support to tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau
• Build strong, trusting relationships with families and key stakeholders, including schools, health providers, Oranga Tamariki, iwi and community groups
• Provide comprehensive assessments, case planning and interventions, helping families identify goals, develop practical plans, and access resources that support long‑term positive outcomes.
• Fulfill statutory responsibilities under the Oranga Tamariki Act, including preparing reports, attending Family Group Conferences, coordinating meetings, and ensuring decisions prioritise the best interests of the child.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and reflective practice, including supervision, training, and team collaboration.

Ngā pūkenga | What you will need to be successful:

• A SWRB‑recognised Social Work qualification (or near completion) and eligibility for registration.
• Experience and passion for working with children, young people, and families
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across agencies.
• A commitment to professional growth, teamwork, providing services in the spirit of the Te Tiriti O Waitangi and the values of Presbyterian Support Southland
• A working knowledge of Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and other relevant NZ legislation
• A full, clean New Zealand driver licence and the ability to travel throughout the community as needed.

Mō mātou | About us:

Family Works is an initiative of Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS) 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

Family Works is one of two service divisions of Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS), Southland's largest for-purpose provider of social services and aged care. Alongside Family Works, our Enliven service supports older people through retirement living, residential and hospital-level aged care, and community-based services. Together, we are committed to strengthening the wellbeing of people and communities across Southland

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
• 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 [email protected]

(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.

For a copy of the Job Description visit Social-Worker-Position-Description---Updated-Feb-2026.pdf