Academic Staff Member - Social Work

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology seeks an Academic Staff Member – Social Work to deliver high-quality, learner-focused education for the Bachelor of Social Work and Diploma in Whānau Ora. The role involves teaching, assessment, and learner support, with opportunities to collaborate across programmes and travel between Tauranga and Rotorua campuses.

The position emphasizes bicultural practice, equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and engagement with iwi, industry, and community partners to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work is required; Master’s degree is desirable.
• Current registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).
• A minimum of 5 years’ qualified experience in social work within NZ.
• Experience in bicultural environments and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

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 and learner feedback.
• Uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments and promote Māori success.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Equity & inclusion

Lifelong learning

Education

Bachelor of Social Work

Master's degree (desirable)

SWRB registration

Job description

As an Academic Staff Member – Social Work, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, learner-focused education that supports the development of future social work 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 the Bachelor of Social Work and Diploma in Whānau Ora programmes, but also flexible to work across other programme area as appropriate to your expertise and as student numbers dictate.

This role is essential to the success of our Social Work 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 required (Masters is desirable)
• Current registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).
• A minimum of 5 years’ qualified experience in the social work 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.

Toi Ohomai is a vibrant and future-focused tertiary institute with campuses in Rotorua (Mokoia), Tauranga (Windermere), and regional locations in Tokoroa, Taupō, Whakatāne, and Waipā.

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.

Toi Ohomai is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons. Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa and will undergo relevant pre-employment checks.

If this opportunity excites you, we’d love to hear from you. We review applications as they arrive and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date.