Information for overseas social workers wanting to join Child, Youth and Family

1. The Accredited Employer Programme

Child, Youth and Family is part of the Accredited Employer Programme. This means that the immigration department has given us approval to offer roles to non New Zealand residents if we have satisfied them that the roles we are recruiting for are unable to be filled by New Zealand citizens. Visit the immigration website for further information.

Qualified social workers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa and Australia are particularly encouraged through this pathway, as we find your social work training meets many of our New Zealand requirements.

When we offer you a position, we provide you with a letter of authorisation that you can take to the New Zealand embassy and providing you meet all of the requirements you get a visa that enables you at the completion of which to apply for residency.

The New Zealand Immigration website gives helpful information of what you need to do once a job offer is made. We also suggest you check your qualifications meet the New Zealand Social Work Registration Board’s criteria by visiting their website.

Note: This is not currently compulsory but the New Zealand Government is reviewing this and it will also help in the recruitment process.

2. The standard immigration pathway

To be eligible for employment with Child, Youth and Family in New Zealand you must either be a New Zealand Citizen, a permanent resident or have a valid work permit. To check out what criteria you need to meet and for more information about immigrating to New Zealand visit the immigration website.