Kaiāwhina (Social Worker) - Eastern Women's Refuge - Whangaia Ngā Pā Harakeke

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. Eastern Women’s Refuge is seeking to employ a registered social worker or family harm expert to join the innovative Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke team based at Manurewa Police Station. The Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke team is an interagency team consisting of sworn and non-sworn staff working in collaboration to help reduce family harm in Counties Manukau. Eastern Women’s Refuge currently employ 4 Kaiāwhina situated at Counties Manukau Police stations with a Practice Lead located at the Family Harm Hub in Manukau, and have held a contract with NZ Police for the provision of specialist DV social workers, creating opportunities for change since 2008. The role entails shift rotations on a four weekly basis to align with the FHIT teams at the stations. We are looking for someone who is a passionate advocate for families impacted by violence and who thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. The role You will be in a position of trust and confidence, engaging with whānau in their homes to understand the dynamics that occur within the family environment. You will provide intervention through risk and needs assessment, risk management, safety planning, empathy, support and accountability. You will be working with victims, perpetrators and children at risk, linking and referring them to appropriate specialist services in accordance with their needs. You will be culturally competent and have a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You will have proven experience at developing collaborative relationships across agencies, enabling timely, innovative, and effective response to whānau experiencing family harm. Your role will also include mentoring and up-skilling Police staff in the dynamics of family harm. Requirements: A degree in social work, relevant qualification or industry experience. A work history that demonstrates competency to work as an advocate for children and adults in a high-risk settings. A full driver's license. Skills - you will be able to: Engage with children and adults who are experiencing family violence with compassion and empathy. Assess risks, needs and early intervention opportunities for whānau experiencing family violence. Motivate individuals and agencies to make decisions and take steps to bring about change. Work autonomously as well as be part of a high functioning team. Establish and maintain professional relationships with stake holders and agencies. Effectively communicate, through written and verbal communication. Effectively manage a caseload. Keep and maintain accurate records. Knowledge – you will; Have a good understanding of and be committed to Te Tiriti O Waitangi and the implications of providing culturally appropriate services to Māori. Be sensitive to and be committed to providing appropriate responses and services to minority groups. Have an in-depth understanding of family violence including the drivers, impacts and barriers to seeking help. Have a theoretical, practical and procedural knowledge of family court, civil and criminal justice processes and outcomes. Have knowledge of the scope, skills and resources of relevant statutory and NGO family violence response agencies. Have a commitment to updating and building knowledge in the field of family violence. Special Requirements: Vulnerable Children's Act and Ministry of Justice vetted Willingness to undertake external supervision Successful applicant must reside in Auckland Job benefits and perks Eastern Women’s Refuge is a collaborative and diverse organisation of passionate individuals. Providing a variety of family violence services, Eastern Women’s Refuge is an exciting and innovative organisation. EWR prides itself on its commitment to the values of the refuge movement and in enabling all staff to become effective advocates for individuals and for social change. Eastern Women's Refuge is committed to growing strong DV analysis and professional best practice, and provides good opportunity for continuing Professional Development and training. Given the nature of the mahi that we do, Eastern Women's Refuge supports a culture of safety and wellness in the workplace and therefore provide one day per month as a Hauora Day for staff to reset and realign. Pay equity salary is offered - range dependent on qualifications and/or experience. The organisation Eastern Women’s Refuge is guided by the vision: Wāhine and Tāne working together to cultivate violence free families, communities and society, by enhancing the mana of all peoples and upholding our commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi. Our mission is to provide inclusive services that support the wellbeing of all people through professional best practice, encompassing our four cornerstones of the Women’s Refuge movement, and underpinned by our philosophy of social change. Eastern Women’s Refuge is a member of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, and committed to the cornerstones of: Parallel development, Collectivism, Feminism, Takatāpui Nurturing Diversity. For more information, please contact *****@ewr.org.nz. #J-18808-Ljbffr