Social Worker - Housing Support - Full time

The Dunedin Night Shelter Trust provides emergency and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness in our city. We're looking for a person who wants their work to genuinely matter, someone ready to support people through one of the hardest chapters of their lives and help them move toward stable housing and greater self-determination.

This is a hands-on, people-centred role working across two sites: the Night Shelter and Phoenix Lodge, our transitional housing facility, both on Lees Street.

About the role

As Social Worker, you'll be a core member of our small staff team and the primary support contact for our Phoenix Lodge clients. You'll bring professional social work practice to the day-to-day life of both facilities, assessing needs, building support plans, advocating with external agencies, and helping guests and clients navigate the systems that stand between them and a stable home.

It's varied, real-world work: one part case management and planning, one part advocacy, one part being a steady, respectful presence in people's lives.

What you'll be doing

• Assessing the needs of guests and clients, and developing individual support goals and plans
• Interviewing and assessing potential Phoenix Lodge clients and advising on placement suitability
• Acting as the primary point of contact for Phoenix Lodge clients, providing empowering day-to-day support
• Coordinating referrals to and advocating with external agencies, WINZ, PARS, CareNZ, Probation, health, addiction, counselling and employment services — and following up to support engagement
• Managing the Phoenix Lodge client journey, from induction and house rules through to departure, room turnaround and, where needed, eviction processes
• Helping maintain a safe, respectful and well-kept living environment, including fire safety and hazard checks
• Proactive outreach to people at risk of homelessness, and building strong relationships across Dunedin's community and social services network
• Keeping accurate case notes and records, and contributing to reporting for the Trust Board
• Participating in weekly catch-ups with the Manager and regular team meetings

About you

We're looking for someone with sound professional judgement, genuine warmth, and the resilience to do this work well over time. You'll bring:

• A qualification in Social Work, or a relevant health, community or human services discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a real ability to build rapport with people in vulnerable circumstances
• The ability to work independently and as part of a close team
• A good ear, and the skill to de-escalate tension and resolve conflict constructively
• Understanding of and sensitivity toward homelessness, mental health and addiction
• The resilience to manage your own wellbeing under pressure
• A commitment to values aligned with the mission of the Dunedin Night Shelter Trust
• A current full NZ driver's licence

Nice to have

• Knowledge of Dunedin's social services landscape and existing agency relationships
• Experience supporting people with complex needs, including criminal justice system involvement

Why join us

You'll be part of a committed, supportive team doing work that makes a tangible difference in people's lives every day. The Trust is committed to being a good employer, fair treatment, a safe and congenial working environment, and the resources you need to do the role well.

For a copy of the full position description or a confidential chat about the role, contact David McKenzie manager@dunedinnightshelter.co.nz

Apply with your CV and a brief cover letter to manager@dunedinnightshelter.co.nz telling us why this role appeals to you. Applications close June 5, 2026