National Diploma in Social Services (Level 6)

The National Diploma in Social Services (Level 6) [Ref: 1652] leads on from the National Certificate in Social Services (Level 4) [Ref: 0250] and the National Certificate in Iwi/Maori Social Services (Level 4) [Ref: 0666].This qualification provides recognition of the level of competence, knowledge, and skills required for professional social service work in a wide range of settings, in statutory and voluntary agencies and organisations, and in private practice. People awarded the Diploma in Social Services (Level 6) [Re:1652] are able to work in the social services industry under professional supervision, with a considerable degree of autonomy and accountability for achieving outcomes as a social services worker. They are able to establish and maintain working relationships with people from user groups of the social services, and provide or facilitate the provision of social work services. They are able to work within a framework for professional social work practice informed by knowledge and skills in the application and implementation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the social services. They practice according to ethical and legislative boundaries, and demonstrate an integrated practice theory for professional social work.

The large compulsory section recognises the core skills and knowledge necessary for competent and reflective practitioners within the social services sector. The two elective sections enable people to build on knowledge in a specialist area, such as counselling or abuse, neglect and violence; or investigate an area for further study.The Diploma in Social Services (Level 6) [Ref: 1652] is designed to be both a stand-alone qualification for competent practitioners in the social services sector and as a workplace academic entry qualification for those people who are seeking further study at degree level. Graduates of this qualification are not eligible for registration as a Social Worker. Graduates of this qualification may be able to transfer directly into year 2 of a number of existing Social work degree programmes.

There are some standards in common between this diploma and the National Diploma in Youth Work (Level 6) [Ref: 0670], the National Diploma in Iwi/Maori Social Services (Level 6) [Ref 0667], the National Diploma in Community Work (Level 6) [Ref: 0987], and the National Diploma in Counselling (Level 6) [Ref: 0988].

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka is the urban Māori authority for Te Waipounamu.

Our agency is based at Ngā Hau E Whā National Marae situated in the eastern suburbs of Ōtautahi (Christchurch).

We are registered and accredited by NZQA under the Education Act as a Private Training Establishment.

Alongside Education, we currently deliver a range of social services including: Whānau Ora, Building Financial Capability, Mother and Pēpi Support, Driving Education, Functional Family Therapy, Youth Mentoring, Reintegration Services and NEET Youth Service.

We also host a number of other community-based services such as Te Pae Oranga Panels and Community Law Canterbury Legal Aid Clinics.