About the Role
ACROSS is seeking a passionate and qualified Registered Social Worker to join our Family Wellbeing team, delivering services across Palmerston North and the wider Manawatū region.
This role sits within our Oranga Tamariki-funded Family Wellbeing service, supporting tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau from 0 to 18 years of age. The service focuses on early intervention, working alongside families to identify strengths, address challenges, and create positive, sustainable outcomes for children and young people.
You will provide professional social work support to families who are seeking assistance with parenting, child behaviour, family relationships, and other issues affecting child wellbeing. Working collaboratively with parents, caregivers, and whānau, you will develop solution-focused plans and support families to achieve their goals over a service period typically ranging from three to six months.
The role also involves providing intensive social work intervention for families where there are significant risks to children's wellbeing. Through home-based support, assessment, advocacy, and practical assistance, you will work to reduce the risk of harm to children, strengthen parenting capability, and build family resilience.
Services delivered may include:
• Comprehensive assessment and case management.
• Intensive home-based social work support.
• Parenting education and parenting programmes.
• Therapeutic intervention and support for children, parents, and caregivers.
• Monitoring and supporting Family/Whānau Agreements and Family Group Conference (FGC) plans.
• Parenting capacity assessments.
• Advocacy and coordination with schools, health providers, and community agencies.
• Transport assistance where required.
• Supervised contact arrangements between children and family members.
Referrals are received from Oranga Tamariki Manawatū Site, community agencies, and families seeking support. The successful applicant will be committed to strengths-based, solution-focused practice and will work in partnership with whānau to promote safety, wellbeing, and positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.
Requirements
Current registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).
Current Annual Practising Certificate.
Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent recognised social work qualification.
Experience working with tamariki, rangatahi, individuals, and whānau within a community or social services environment.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Strong assessment, advocacy, and case management abilities.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Full and clean New Zealand Driver License.
Ability to pass Police Vetting and Child Safety checks prior to starting date.
Current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
DESIRABLE
Knowledge of Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga.
Experience working with vulnerable families and complex social issues.
Understanding of trauma-informed and strengths-based practice.
Established knowledge of local support services and community networks.
WHAT WE OFFER
A supportive and collaborative team environment.
Professional supervision and development opportunities.
Meaningful and rewarding work that positively impacts the community.
Ongoing training and career development.
A culturally inclusive workplace committed to equity and diversity.
About the Company
ACROSS Te Kotahitanga O Te Wairua is a social services organisation serving the Manawatū community. Originally established in 1990 by the Anglican and Catholic churches, along with the mana whenua iwi Rangitāne. The board is represented by the members of the local Parishes and Rangitāne. ACROSS delivers innovative health and social care services to meet the needs of those socially and materially disadvantaged in the region. ACROSS works to strengthen the whole community and uplift whānau to a place of connection, security, and hope.
Guided by our Manawa Ora practice framework, we honour the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and are grounded in values of compassion, connection, dignity and service. We work in a way that reflects the diverse communities we serve, including Māori, Pasifika, former refugee and migrant families, and people from all walks of life.
APPLY NOW
If you are passionate about supporting whānau and creating positive change within our communities, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role to reception@across.org.nz.
Applications close: 30th September 2026