Kaiatawhai Social Worker

Kaiatawhai Social Worker (Full time, permanent)

Tēnā koe.  

Do you love the idea of working as part of a team whose mahi matters every day?  

Do you want to see your experience and expertise make a difference for tamariki, rangatahi and the people who care for them?  

Do you share our vision that every child’s mana be upheld, and that every moment in a child’s life should matter?  

If your answer to those questions is āe, then let us tell you about who we are. 

We are Key Assets New Zealand, an NGO working for the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. Our roots, and much of the work we continue to do today, is grounded in the provision of foster care. Over time our expertise and kaupapa has expanded to include whānau preservation, whānau restoration, youth work and specialist training for schools and other organisations.  

Central to our ability to successfully support young people, mātua whāngai (foster carers) and whānau, is the comprehensive, trauma-informed approach that guides the organisation’s mahi with every young person. This approach draws on combined expertise across social work, youth work, education, and therapeutic practice.   

Now that you know about us, let us tell you about the role…. 

We are looking for an experienced Social Work practitioner, who is passionate about the wellbeing of children in the care system and returning mokopuna to their whānau, or preventing tamaiti from coming into care. 

An important part of this role will be supporting the development and implementation of an emergency care fostering service, recruiting and supporting carers to take short term placements required urgently. Your practice experience will demonstrate capacity to respond to mokopuna needs by providing carers with necessary practical support, guidance and training.  You will play a central role in co-ordinating the professional team around the child.

About the role:

·         32 - 40 hours per week (negotiable)

·         Social Work Pay Equity Spine + 4% KiwiSaver 

·         Waikato based, with regular visits to our Mt Wellington office

·         Flexible working arrangements negotiable

Ideally you are a registered Social Worker, with previous experience in caregiving or a similar sector.  As a Kaiatawhai, you’ll play a key part in our mahi by assessing and supporting mātua whāngai (foster carers) and whānau, ensuring mokopuna are safe, stable and flourishing. You’ll be part of a close-knit, purpose-led team, committed to our kaupapa and to growing practice excellence across the motu.

Your mahi will include:

·         Holistic assessments of mātua whāngai and whānau caregivers

·         Supporting the recruitment, training and coaching of caregivers

·         Co-designing service plans to meet the needs of mokopuna and their whānau

·         Collaborating with Oranga Tamariki and community partners

·         Applying our trauma-informed Key Care Team model in everyday practice

 You’ll bring:

- Registration with the Social Work Registration Board (or close to it)

- Strong understanding of the care system and working with Māori and Pasifika whānau

- Excellent assessment, coaching and relationship-building skills

- Confidence working both autonomously and as part of a collaborative team

- Courage, compassion and cultural competence

Our Values – Tikanga that guide us:

·         Honohono – To build connections

·         Māhorahora – To exhaust every opportunity

·         Whakaiti – To serve with humility

·         Tūmanako – To stand on a foundation of hope

Why join us:

You’ll be part of a caring, vibrant organisation where your voice matters and your mahi makes waves. You’ll join at an exciting time as we breathe life into our Waka Hourua strategy – our unique expression of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action.

Whether you’re coaching a mātua whāngai through a tough season, helping reunite mokopuna with their whānau, or strengthening a placement through creativity and aroha, you’ll be helping turn hope into transformation.

We value and promote the practice development of all our Kaimahi so you can thrive in your role with us.

 To apply:

Send your CV and a thoughtful cover letter to [email protected] or hit the “Apply” button.

Let’s paddle together toward a future where every child’s mana is upheld, and every moment truly matters.