Community Social Worker

eight73 consulting; Ōtorohanga; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ōtorohanga Support House Whare Āwhina Trust is seeking an experienced and compassionate Community Social Worker to join our team, delivering whānau-centred support in our community setting. You will build trusting relationships with clients and collaborate with families, agencies and government services to create real, practical outcomes.

You will contribute to budgeting guidance, household routines and parenting support, uphold cultural safety, and maintain professional boundaries.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications / current registration in Social Work or Child Protection Studies
• Knowledge of NZ legislation affecting social services
• Strong connections with statutory and non-statutory agencies
• Ability to work with diverse communities and whānau

Responsibilities

• Develop trusted relationships with clients and whānau to identify goals
• Provide practical education on budgeting, routines and parenting
• Collaborate with agencies to coordinate support and services
• Support clients to develop strategies for self and family management

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Empathy

Active listening

Time management

Education

Social Work registration

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Support whānau. Strengthen connections. Make a difference in your community.

Ōtorohanga Support House Whare Āwhina Trust is seeking an experienced and compassionate Community Social Worker to join our team.

This is a hands-on community role for someone who is passionate about supporting individuals and whānau to build confidence, identify their goals and create positive change in their lives.

You will work alongside whānau, community groups, government agencies and other support services to provide practical, responsive and culturally respectful support.

About the role

You will develop trusted relationships with clients and whānau, identify areas where support is needed and work collaboratively towards achievable goals.

Your responsibilities will include building positive, professional and trusting relationships with clients and whānau using active listening, empathy and effective communication to understand individual and whānau needs. Supporting clients to establish goals and make progress towards achieving them, providing practical education and guidance in areas such as budgeting, communication, household routines and parenting and supporting clients to develop effective strategies for self and family management.

About you

You will be a capable and empathetic practitioner who can build rapport with people from a wide range of backgrounds while maintaining strong professional boundaries.

You will bring:

• Formal qualifications / current registration in Social Work or Child Protection Studies
• A good working knowledge of relevant New Zealand legislation and its impact on social services
• Strong connections with statutory and non-statutory agencies
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Strong listening skills and an empathetic approach
• Sound judgement and the ability to solve problems effectively
• Strong organisation, time management and prioritisation skills
• The ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
• A high level of cultural awareness and respect for diversity
• A collaborative, adaptable and positive approach to working within a team
• The ability to meet the suitability and safety requirements of the role

At Ōtorohanga Support House, our work is grounded in relationships, trust and practical support for our community.

You will have the opportunity to work directly alongside individuals and whānau, collaborate with a strong network of community and government services, and contribute to positive outcomes within the Ōtorohanga community.

You will also be supported through regular supervision, team engagement, training and ongoing professional development.

If you are an experienced social services professional who values whānau-centred practice, strong community relationships and making a practical difference, we would like to hear from you.

Applicants will be required to complete police vetting and must be NZ Residents.