Social Worker - Family Start

• Full Time
• Application Closes 23 Aug 2025
• Hawkes Bay - Hastings
• Child, Family and School Social Worker

Our Family Start team is a national, award winning, best practice team, who provide practical parenting strategies and support to families with young children in the Heretaunga area. 

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga (TToH) is well respected, successful, health and social services provider, supporting our local community in Hawkes Bay.  Our health, social, education and community development teams have been working successfully with whanau for over 39 years. We combine professional expertise with personal connection, grounded in our kaupapa Māori values of Whakamana, Kaitiakitanga, Whanaungatanga, and Kotahitanga. We walk alongside whānau, offering practical strategies delivered with respect, compassion and integrity.

We’re looking for a passionate, grounded and values-driven person to join our team as a Social Worker who can truly connect with whānau, support their aspirations, and help create meaningful, lasting change.  

About the Role

Based at our large Hastings site (Orchard Road), this is a permanent, full-time role (Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm). You'll work alongside a supportive team of Social Workers and Whānau Support Workers, who service the Heretaunga/Hastings area, reporting to the Team Manager. Regular supervision and training are provided in a warm, collaborative environment.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Brings professionalism, kindness, empathy and flexibility to their mahi
• Can relate to people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds
• Holds strong boundaries and is both assertive and non-judgmental
• Embodies compassion and demonstrates positive whānau relationships in their own life
• Is open to feedback, reflective practice and continuous learning

 Ideal Candidates Will Have:

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work or a related registered profession (e.g. Teaching, Counselling, Nursing, Mental Health) OR
• Significant experience working directly with whānau in the local community, from pēpi to kaumātua.
• Confidence in offering sound advice and practical,  strengths-based strategies
• Good local knowledge and established networks with other services and supports
• Competency in writing clear case notes and managing caseloads effectively
• A full, current New Zealand driver's licence

 You’ll Also Need To:

• Have knowledge of or a genuine willingness to learn about Māori culture, tikanga and kaupapa Māori practices
• Be committed to culturally responsive and safe practice
• Work collaboratively as part of a values-based team

 What We Offer:

• A competitive salary package
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Birthday leave
• Health & Life Insurance
• A positive, whānau-first workplace culture grounded in kaupapa Māori values

 Ready to Make a Real Difference?

If you want to work for a progressive and professional kaupapa Māori organisation and help whānau thrive, we want to hear from you.

To apply, please include:

• A Cover Letter
• Your up-to-date CV
• A completed TToH Application Form
• Copies of your qualifications

Applications will be reviewed as they are received – apply now and don’t miss out!