New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing - Social Services

In this programme, you'll learn about how to work with people affected by abuse, violence/family violence, alcohol and other drugs, gambling, and crime. You'll use models such as the Person-Centered model, and Te Whare Tapa Wha, to understand the needs of these people, the barriers they face in society, and how you can help them overcome these to achieve success.

You'll also discover and unpack the history of colonisation within te ao Maori and Pacifica contexts, and how this contributes to the barriers faced by people affected by abuse, violence and crime today. You'll then learn the skills required to start reducing these barriers.

You'll also gain a good understanding of national social service structures, funding models, and the roles and responsibilities of these services and their employees within Aotearoa.

Please note: While this programme is full-time, you are only required to be on-campus for 3 days a week. The remaining time can be spent on self-directed learning or work experience.

• You'll learn by doing, by completing at least 200 hours in work placements in a social services setting. This can be prearranged, or we can arrange a placement for you when you start the programme;
• You'll receive up-to-date knowledge about key legislation and policies, such as the Vulnerable Children's Act, the Human Rights Act, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi;
• You will learn more about yourself and others by examining different cultures, values, and attitudes around crime, violence and abuse;
• You'll learn key literacy skills which will enable you to be a highly skilled communicator and to create a trusted and open relationship with the people you work with, as well as their families/whanau, and community networks.
• You'll be taught by lecturers who are experienced in working in various social services within Aotearoa.

If you want to continue on to further study upon successful completion of this programme, you could consider the Bachelor of Social Practice, where you'll have the chance to become a registered social worker.