Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

We're looking for an exceptional Social Worker to join our Student Health Service team. By joining the Mental Health and Wellbeing team at the University of Waikato, you'll play a vital role in supporting students to thrive personally and academically.

In this role, you will:

• Assess mental health and psychosocial needs, working with students and their whānau or support networks.
• Deliver high-quality, recovery-focused therapeutic or clinical interventions.
• Use clear pathways of care, referring to internal and external services where appropriate.
• Provide case management for more complex student situations.
• Contribute to proactive wellbeing initiatives that strengthen mental health and resilience across our campus.
• Work collaboratively within a supportive interdisciplinary team committed to improving student wellbeing.

We welcome applications from social workers who are passionate about student wellbeing and ready to make a meaningful impact.

From 1 April 2026 the annual salary range for the Social Worker position is $87,624 to $100,214 per year (pro-rata). This is a 0.8 FTE part-time position (30 hours per week) based at our Hillcrest Campus.

Final remuneration will be based on the skills, knowledge, and experience you bring to the role. For more information on this role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Angela Field, Clinical Manager, Mental Health and Wellbeing, a.field@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal - emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? - Who are you?

You will be a fully registered Social Worker. You are a skilled and compassionate person who brings strong assessment, therapeutic, and case management capability. You have experience supporting people with mental health needs, delivering brief, recovery-focused interventions, and using clear pathways of care to ensure clients access the right support.

You understand the Aotearoa mental health environment, including community services, referral processes, and the factors that influence student wellbeing. Culturally responsive practice is central to your work, and you are committed to supporting Māori, Pacific, Rainbow, and diverse student communities with sensitivity and respect.

You communicate clearly, build strong relationships, and work effectively both independently and within an interdisciplinary team. Adaptable and organised, you remain steady under pressure and are committed to continuous learning, professional integrity, and contributing positively to student wellbeing.

Don't meet every single requirement? Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At the University of Waikato, we're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?

The Student Services Division provides high quality integrated services that foster engagement, promote wellbeing and support students in achieving their academic goals. The work of the Division comprises the following student services: administrative processes from enrolment through to graduation, enquiry management, pastoral care, international student services, health, accommodation, counselling, disabilities support, career development services, sport and wellbeing, student surveys, and student complaints and appeals.

The Director of Student Services is responsible for the overall management of the Division, with assistance from a team of Associate Directors including the Associate Director Student Health.

The Student Health Service provides high quality, accessible primary health care, mental health and counselling services to University of Waikato students and enhances the educational process by modifying or removing health-related barriers to personal development and learning.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education, and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications close on Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Apply here

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the interview process may commence prior to the closing date.

Requisition number: 1003137