Social Worker Manager - Pathways to Settlement

Permanent Full–Time (37.5 hours per week)

Location: Blenheim, with travel around Blenheim/Marlborough region

This role falls under the social work pay equity framework and offers a total remuneration package (including base salary and employer KiwiSaver contributions) ranging from $92,668.81 to $119,145.52 Your placement on the pay scale (Category 4, Steps 9 - 15) will depend on your years of experience as a Social Worker and Practice Leader.

NZRC will also cover your ANZASW membership, practising certificate costs, and you will have access to external supervision and CPD opportunities. Plus, you’ll get five weeks of annual leave and 12 wellbeing days every year to help keep life in balance.

The role is based in Blenheim, with a relocation package available for the successful applicant if needed.

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga 

Join New Zealand Red Cross in a role where your social work leadership will directly support former refugees to settle, connect and thrive in Blenheim. You’ll lead a committed team of up to 8 direct reports, strengthen local service pathways and help deliver a safe, strengths-based settlement service.

The role brings together:

• Team leadership and professional supervision
• Programme coordination, contract delivery and budget oversight
• Complex casework and settlement support; and
• Community partnerships, advocacy and referral development

You’ll stay connected to practice while leading values-led mahi, supported by the wider national Red Cross network.

Who are we looking for? – Mā‎ wai te mahi nei? 

To be successful, you will have: 

• A tertiary social work qualification
• Current full registration with the New Zealand Social Worker Registration Board;
• Relevant people leadership and professional supervision experience
• Strong casework, assessment and stakeholder relationship capability
• A current drivers licence and the ability to travel locally

Your application will be strengthened if you also bring any of the following:

• Direct experience in refugee settlement or lived experience as a former refugee
• Experience working with refugee-background communities
• A professional supervision qualification
• Previous experience in a volunteer-led or humanitarian organisation

About New Zealand Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and increasing community resilience.

Guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, we support people in times of need and help strengthen their resilience.

We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.   

Why work with us? 

At New Zealand Red Cross, you’ll join a passionate and diverse team that values your contributions and shares your commitment to making a difference.

We are committed to represent the communities we serve, increasing diversity throughout our people and leadership, and creating a flexible and healthy work environment. Many roles offer flexible virtual/hybrid options to help our employees balance their personal and professional priorities.  

Our benefits include: 

• Five weeks annual leave
• Career development opportunities 
• Annual flu vaccinations 
• Discounts on Southern Cross health insurance  

We also encourage employee networks, including Takatāpui and Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori and the Sustainability Network, to foster connection and collaboration across our diverse workforce.

Click below to download the job description and to apply for this position please click the 'Apply Now' button to be taken to the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page. If you are already viewing this via the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page, please click the active job description link below.  

Please submit your application online, as we’re unable to accept direct applications. Your application must include the following documentation:

• A recent copy of CV/Resume 

• Cover Letter 

• Passport 

• Legal Right to Work In New Zealand  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this job. Applications close at 05:00 pm on 14/11/2026 

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for further information, please contact Hafsar Tameesuddin at hafsar.tameesuddin@redcross.org.nz   

Note: We reserve the right to close applications before the closing date, so please register your interest early. 

Click here for the Job Description