The New Zealand Red Cross is advertising positions for a settlement lead, pathways to settlement manager, settlement case worker [part-time] and social worker. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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Working with refugee families can be a rewarding way to support the well-being of vulnerable communities and learn more about the world, says one woman at the New Zealand Red Cross.
The organisation is advertising four job positions in preparation for the 100 or so refugees expected to arrive in Masterton later this year.
New Zealand Red Cross national social work adviser Christelle Burger said it was an opportunity to enhance and support the well-being of a vulnerable community and families.
“We are looking for social work qualified candidates with a range of experiences in the work they have done before.”
She said this would involve a lot of work beforehand, helping liaise with volunteers, and making the homes “more homely”.
Once the families had arrived, the focus would shift to connecting them with services such as schools, medical centres, and employment opportunities.
“There’s a lot of practical steps involved,” Burger said.
“The families come with a range of needs and within that needs to be mental health support.
“For many former refugees, having a safe house, a safe environment, access to education for their children, and access to healthcare and prospects of employment in the future, help them recover from what they have lost, left behind, or gone through before arriving to New Zealand.”
She said successful resettlement contributed to recovery and helped promote well-being.
In relation to concerns about housing, she said their role would be helping maintain the properties found by Immigration New Zealand.
Successful candidates would also be interested in learning more about the cultures and histories of those arriving.
“It’s understanding their stories,” Burger said.
“You are working with people who have a unique life journey.”
She said it was an opportunity for people to use their social work skills in different ways.
The New Zealand Red Cross is advertising positions for a settlement lead, pathways to settlement manager, settlement case worker [part-time], and social worker.
More information about the positions can be found online, at: redcross.org.nz/get-involved/career-opportunities/
Applications close February 22.
But bullshit when we can’t house locals, but imports have it given to to them. Not anti anyone, but I am pissed off at how unfare it is.
Curious where the homes and jobs are going to come from. Can Masterton fit in 100 new residents on top of the numerous homeless or beneficiaries barely getting by, with the current lack of jobs?