Why join Family Start?
At Family Start, every day is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children, parents, and whānau. Our team walks alongside families during some of the most important and challenging times in their lives, offering practical support, encouragement, and hope. It is deeply rewarding work — the kind of work where you see real change happen, celebrate small wins that mean everything, and know that your efforts are helping build stronger, safer, and more resilient families.
When you join Family Start, you become part of a compassionate, skilled, and committed team that cares deeply about the community we serve. This is more than just a job. It is meaningful work with purpose, heart, and lasting impact.
If you are passionate about supporting tamariki and whānau, and want a role where you can go home each day knowing you have made a difference, we would love to hear from you.
Current Vacancies
Social Worker / Whānau Worker
Greymouth Based | Permanent Part-Time | 16–24 hours per week | 2–3 days
Salary: $68,000–$102,000 full-time equivalent, pro-rated for hours worked
Family Start West Coast/Buller – Tai Poutini Whānau Po Kite Ata Trust is seeking a compassionate and capable Social Worker or Whanau Worker to join our Family Start team in Greymouth.
This is a permanent part-time opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful difference during one of the most important stages of a child’s life.
Salary and hours
The position is 2 or 3 days per week (negotiable), approximately 16–24 hours, with a full-time equivalent salary range of $68,000 to $102,000 per annum. The actual salary will be pro-rated according to the agreed hours of work.
For Social Workers and registered professionals, remuneration will align with the PSA Social Work Pay Equity salary rates applicable in New Zealand, with placement within the salary range dependent on the applicant’s relevant years of experience working in social work roles.
About Family Start
Family Start is an intensive whānau support and home visiting service working with pregnant mums and families with children aged 0–3 years, particularly where whānau may be experiencing challenging or complex circumstances.
Our work is relationship-led, strengths-based and culturally grounded. We partner with whaiora across the West Coast and Buller to help build safe, nurturing homes and stronger futures through early intervention, practical support, advocacy and connection to other services.
Our vision is for whānau and tamariki in Te Tai o Poutini to thrive from the very beginning — safe, connected and confident — supported by a trusted, wrap-around service that delivers on its promises.
About the role
This position is based in Greymouth and forms part of our Family Start team.
You will work directly with pregnant mums and whānau with children aged 0–3 in their homes and communities. Your work will include developing supportive professional relationships, assessing strengths and needs, developing and reviewing whānau plans, advocating for families, supporting access to other services, networking with community agencies and maintaining a strong focus on child wellbeing and safety.
Family Start works across a broad range of areas affecting child and whānau wellbeing, including parenting, child health and safety, family relationships, parental wellbeing, education and economic wellbeing.
You will work alongside whānau to develop realistic, achievable and strengths-based plans that reflect their priorities and cultural needs, helping whānau build their capacity and give their tamariki the best possible start in life.
Who we are looking for
We welcome applications from:
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Qualified Social Workers
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People currently working towards a relevant level 7 qualification
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People who hold another relevant Level 7 or higher qualification
The right person will be able to build trusting relationships, listen to whānau voice and choice, work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies, maintain strong professional boundaries, and respond confidently to issues affecting child and whānau wellbeing.
You will need to be comfortable working independently in the community while also being an active member of a supportive team.
What we offer
You will join a supportive, values-driven organisation committed to improving outcomes for pēpi, tamariki and whānau.
We offer:
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A permanent part-time role with flexibility around 2 or 3 days per week
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A salary of $68,000–$102,000 FTE, pro-rated for your agreed hours
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PSA Social Work Pay Equity-aligned remuneration for Social Workers, based on relevant years of social work experience
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Professional and clinical supervision
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Ongoing training and professional development
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Meaningful, relationship-based work with whānau
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The opportunity to be part of an established community organisation supporting families across Te Tai o Poutini
Position requirements
Applicants will need to be able to meet the safety and practical requirements of the position, including holding a current full New Zealand driver licence and completing the required Police vetting process. The attached position description also notes the Social Work Registration Board requirements applying to Social Workers receiving pay-equity remuneration.
Interested?
We welcome enquiries from anyone who would like to learn more before applying.
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact:
Chris
📞 027 568 0626
To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to:
Applications close 30 September 2026.
Sandra Yeomans
“Absolutely love working with the wonderful team at Family Start. Their passion for supporting people in our community and the work the team carry out is awe-inspiring and second to none. The whole team from the top down go above and beyond to make things happen and it’s a total privilege to be a very small part of such an amazing organisation!"
Carolina Salazar
"The best part of working at Family Start is sharing my day with a caring group of people committed to working as a team for the benefit of the people and the communities they serve, as much as looking out for each other.Family Start is a professional and well-structured workplace. Responsibilities and procedures are clearly defined. Communication with the management and administrative team is open and clear. It helps work run smoothly."