Social Worker - Child and Whānau

About us

Pegasus Health supports many aspects of health and wellbeing in Canterbury. We provide services and support to general practices and community-based health providers to deliver quality health care to patients.

We work in partnership with our communities, general practices and other health providers to improve the health and wellbeing of people in our communities, all while aiming to make Canterbury the best place to receive and provide care.

Working with our communities, means being committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working in a bicultural manner to improve equitable access and outcomes for Māori. We’re committed to improving equitable access and outcomes for Pasifika, CALD, Rainbow and other priority populations.  

That includes recognizing the importance of diversity and we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive working environment. We want our people to reflect our communities and actively encourage applications from diverse background.

What you will be doing

The position aims are to improve the health, social, behavioural, developmental and well-being needs of children and youth (0-17 years) and to reduce health disparities within priority populations.

In this role you will work alongside Primary Care teams, offering community visits and consultations to assess tamariki, rangatahi and whanau needs, provide information, resources, short-term interventions as well as referral of whanau to services and agencies for on-going support where appropriate

The guiding principles of this role include early intervention, prevention and in developing networks that increase the supports available to tamariki, rangatahi and their whanau.

In this role you will:

• Provide a brief intervention and work together with whānau to identify needs and plan for their ongoing care. This may include referral to appropriate agencies for ongoing support to address their child’s mental health, behaviour, developmental and social support needs.
• Keep referrers informed of assessment, intervention and outcomes.
• Support General Practice and other Pegasus teams through providing education around child developmental needs, navigating pathways for whānau needs.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships and networks with child health providers, both in the primary, secondary and NGO sectors.
• Work alongside both Rural and City Pegasus Health General Practices.
• Have a clean, full NZ Driver’s License
• Require your own vehicle. Travel costs will be reimbursed.

What you will bring

• You will be a Registered Social Worker with a current APC
• Experience in child health and development or child and whanau social services
• Well-developed relationship building skills with the ability to engage and practice using an equity lens with all whānau and health and social services
• Ability to work collaboratively, ensuring tamariki, rangatahi and whanau are central to decision making
• A high level of cultural competence and understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi

What we offer/What's in it for you

• Supportive, people focused culture
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Range of wellness benefits including a wellness subsidy
• Free after-hours medical care
• Flexible-working opportunities allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance

For Further information about Pegasus Health visit: www.pegasus.health.nz 

For information about the role please contact Karen Meadows-Taurua, email:karen.meadows-taurua@pegasus.health.nz or call 0273384827