Academic Staff Member - Social Practice

Toi Ohomai; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Toi Ohomai invites applications for an Academic Staff Member – Social Practice to deliver learner-centered education across Youth Work and Health & Wellbeing programmes. You will contribute to curriculum development, teaching, assessment, and learner support while engaging with industry to ensure relevance and excellence.

Based at Tauranga or Rotorua campuses with travel as needed, the role requires a current NZ driver’s licence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work preferred; SWRB registration required or active.
• NZ context experience with bicultural environments and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Minimum 5 years’ qualified experience in the field.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with learners, colleagues, stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, lifelong learning and Toitūtanga, Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Kotahitanga.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging and culturally responsive teaching across Social Work courses.
• Support learners through pastoral care, academic guidance, and inclusive teaching practices.
• Develop and maintain course materials and assessments aligned with industry standards.
• Engage with local social work professionals and organisations to ensure programme relevance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through reflective practice, peer collaboration, and learner feedback.
• Uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments and promote Māori success.

Skills

Teaching

Pastoral care

Communication

Relationship building

Curriculum development

Education

Bachelor of Social Work

SWRB registration

Masters preferred

Alternative discipline degree

Job description

As an Academic Staff Member – Social Practice, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, learner-focused education that supports the development of future youth work and social service professionals. You will contribute to programme development, teaching, assessment, and learner support, while engaging with industry and community to ensure relevance and excellence in delivery.

This position is for a full-time team member primarily focused on teaching across our certificate programmes in Youth Work and Health & Wellbeing (Community & Social Services - Mental Health & Addictions) programmes, but also flexible to work across other programme areas as appropriate to your expertise, qualifications and as student numbers dictate.

This role is essential to the success of our Social Practice programme and supports Toi Ohomai’s commitment to bicultural practice, equity, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

This role reports to the Programme Manager – Social Practice and is open to being based at either Tauranga or Rotorua campus. From time to time, you may be required to travel to other campuses to support programme delivery. A full driver’s licence is essential, and our fleet vehicles are available for work-related travel.

• Deliver engaging and culturally responsive teaching across Social Work courses.
• Support learners through pastoral care, academic guidance, and inclusive teaching practices.
• Develop and maintain course materials and assessments aligned with industry standards.
• Engage with local social work professionals and organisations to ensure programme relevance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through reflective practice, peer collaboration, and learner feedback.
• Uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments and promote Māori success.

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

• A Bachelor of Social Work is preferred (Masters is desirable) with current registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) OR
• A Bachelor degree in an alternative relevant discipline (Masters is desirable) with current relevant registration (if applicable).
• A minimum of 5 years’ qualified experience in the relevant field within the New Zealand context.
• Experience working in a bicultural environment and a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with learners, colleagues, and community stakeholders.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. A strong alignment with our values of Toitūtanga, Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, and Kotahitanga, which guide how we work together, care for others, build relationships, and pursue excellence

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you don’t meet every requirement but feel you have the passion and potential to succeed, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences—including those gained through whānau, community, or mahi aroha (volunteering)—and invite you to share your story in your cover letter.

Let your personality, passion, and potential shine. We’re looking for real people with real drive—not perfection.

Our purpose is to partner with iwi, industry, and communities to deliver innovative education, and our vision is to empower people and their communities. We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strive to create a culturally safe and inclusive environment for all learners. We aim to be:

• Learner-centred, tailoring education to enhance employability
• Innovative, embracing new technologies and practices
• Collaborative, working with iwi, industry, and government
• Sustainable, financially responsible and environmentally conscious

We are committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring our services reflect and respond to the aspirations of Māori ākonga, their whānau, iwi, and Māori communities. This commitment is embedded in our strategic direction and is reflected in our pursuit of a culturally confident and competent workforce across all levels of our organisation. Join us in shaping a future where education uplifts, connects, and transforms.