Trauma-Informed Social Worker for Mothers in Prison

New Zealand Government; Waikato; On-site; NZD 83,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections in Waikato is hiring a Social Worker to join a new women’s unit at Waikeria Prison. The role focuses on supporting mothers, pregnant women, and young women, enhancing wellbeing and guiding families through custody and child protection processes.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, respectful care and to help women navigate the justice system, with a view to positive outcomes on release.

Qualifications

• Social work with women, including trauma histories.
• Ability to work in a Māori cultural setting and understand the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Trauma-informed practice knowledge and application.
• Ability to tailor professional judgments to individual circumstances.
• Ability to build and maintain diverse relationships to achieve goals.
• Maintain professional boundaries and adapt to diverse situations.
• Seek guidance on operational policy when needed.
• Balance workload with ongoing learning and development.
• Qualifies for SWRB registration (essential).

Responsibilities

• Support and enhance wellbeing of women in prison, focusing on mothers and vulnerable individuals.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team to plan and provide care and services.
• Navigate child protection processes in collaboration with statutory agencies.
• Deliver practice in mothers-with-babies units and pregnancy planning in custody.
• Support positive youth development and safe parenting during incarceration.

Skills

Trauma-informed practice

Māori cultural setting

Professional judgment

Time management

Relationship building

Adaptability

Policy/procedure guidance

Work-life balance

SWRB awareness

Education

Social Work qualification recognised by SWRB

Provisional SWRB registration acceptable

Job description

Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections in Waikato is hiring a Social Worker to join a new women’s unit at Waikeria Prison. The role focuses on supporting mothers, pregnant women, and young women, enhancing wellbeing and guiding families through custody and child protection processes.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, respectful care and to help women navigate the justice system, with a view to positive outcomes on release.