Practice Lead – Social Work

• Lead and support a team of eight practitioners
• Stay connected to client work through a small caseload
• Apply your expertise in mental health, trauma and crisis support

Calm under pressure? Bring your social work expertise and supportive leadership style to a Dunedin not-for-profit making a difference in the community.

We’re seeking a registered social worker with proven experience supporting people in the community and leading others. This is an opportunity to guide a multidisciplinary team, strengthen practice and maintain direct client contact through a small caseload.

About the role

In this full-time, office-based role, you’ll provide accessible, day-to-day leadership to eight practitioners. You’ll support the team to reflect on their work, navigate complex situations and practise within the scope of their individual roles.

Drawing on your knowledge and experience of mental health and trauma, you’ll bring a therapeutic lens to assessment, risk, safety and crisis response.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, supporting and developing the practitioner team
• Managing a small caseload of clients, providing direct support informed by their individual needs
• Providing guidance around risk assessment, safety and responding to crisis situations
• Managing team workload
• Encouraging reflective practice, critical thinking and continuous improvement
• Supporting collaborative working across a multidisciplinary team
• Recognising signs of stress and encouraging sustainable practice and self-care
• Maintaining accurate documentation and following organisational processes.

The role also includes providing cover for the organisation’s 24/7 crisis call-out service roster, including outside normal office hours.

About you

You’ll hold a relevant social work qualification and NZ registration with the Social Workers Registration Board, alongside proven experience leading people and providing support in a community setting.

You’ll bring:

• Knowledge and practical experience in mental health and trauma
• Strong assessment skills, including assessing risk, safety and crisis.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and make considered decisions.
• A supportive leadership style, with the confidence to guide others and maintain professional boundaries.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence using IT systems and databases, completing administration and following processes.
• A reflective approach to your own practice and an active commitment to self-care.

An understanding of trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practice, the impacts of sexual violence and power dynamics would be valuable. Experience in crisis support, and familiarity with Mindful Somatic Experiencing or Polyvagal Theory, would also be advantageous.

Why consider this opportunity?

You’ll have the opportunity to guide a team while remaining connected to the people accessing the service. This role will suit someone who enjoys balancing practitioner support, leadership and meaningful client work.

Apply now or reach out for a confidential discussion.

Your People Recruitment
Mel Bentley – Your Top Talent Go To - Fuelling Career Connections
027-713-7005 | mel@yourpeople.co.nz