Social worker roles

Mental health social workers usually work as care coordinators, key workers or case managers in community teams or as social workers or in inpatient services. They are employed by either DHBs or NGOs in areas such as community adult mental health, inpatient services, child adolescent and family services, service for older people, culturally specific services, forensic services, needs assessment services and dual disability services crisis teams or home based treatment teams.

Role titles and tasks vary across DHBs and NGOs.

On this page are descriptions of some of the most common social worker roles.

Social worker/key worker/case manager

Find out more about the role of a social worker.

Senior social worker/social work supervisor

This role provides clinical services at an advanced level as well as providing clinical supervision and leadership to other social workers. In bigger DHBs people in this position will be involved in local clinical training (supervising students and interns). Could also involve promotion of professional development and work competencies. Senior social workers are employed across mental health services in community services and in inpatient services.

Qualifications and experience: Minimum of three to four years' experience as a social worker plus a recognised social work qualification, or the equivalent. Increasing requirement and expectation that social workers be registered and have an annual practising certificate. Full NZ driver’s licence also essential.

Read Cynthia Spittal’s profile.

Social worker team leader or clinical leader

Responsible for the effective management of a team of social workers and support staff to ensure quality social work services for service users. Implement and maintain protocols, processes and systems to enable full and effective delivery of social work services to meet the key performance indicators and business plan requirements. Includes working closely with other management. Sometimes this role is wrapped into a senior social worker’s position or the professional advisor position as there could be a team of social workers within a larger multi-disciplinary team lead by the clinical coordinator or team leader.

Qualifications and experience: Minimum of three to four years' experience as a social worker plus a recognised social work qualification, or the equivalent. Proven leadership and management experience. Increasing requirement and expectation that team leader is registered and has a current annual practising certificate. Full NZ driver’s licence also essential.

Read Sharon Schwalger’s profile.

Team leader (multi-disciplinary team)/clinical coordinator/clinical manager

Responsible for leading a team of established and experienced medical allied health, nursing and support staff, including social workers, to deliver quality services that meet the needs of the community. Requires leadership and excellent communication skills and ability to establish and maintain good relationships and communication within the team and other services. Team leaders can be from any discipline, including clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and nurses.

Qualifications and experience: A social worker or allied health background with a minimum of three years' clinical experience. Essential to be registered with a current annual practicing certificate. Some management experience useful.

Professional advisor/professional director/professional leader

Senior leadership role within an organisation in partnership with other professional advisors and managers. Provides support and professional advice to social workers in their practice, including the planning, establishment and monitoring of clinical standards, policies and procedures and performance review processes. Offers advice and support to managers on social work requirements for safe practice. Participates in strategic development within the organisation. Liaises with external organisations, including social worker education providers. May involve some work with clients.

Note: These roles exist in DHBs or larger NGOs.

Qualifications and experience: Preferably a postgraduate qualification in social work. The role requires substantial experience as a social worker in a range of settings, specifically in mental health, registration and an annual practising certificate.