Social Services
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Gain the skills to support change, growth and wellbeing at a community level. This programme prepares you to work effectively as a community support worker in the health and wellbeing sector.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
It will take a total of 1 year

Assist individuals, families, and community groups to enhance their health, wellbeing, and prosperity in community settings.

Effectively engage and communicate with people in a manner that respects their socio-cultural identity.

Show personal leadership, self-awareness, and apply reflective practice in professional settings.
This programme is designed to equip you with the skills to assist individuals, families, and community groups in areas such as disability support, diversional therapy, employment, housing, budget support, and information that can enhance health, wellbeing, and prosperity. You'll learn to effectively engage and communicate in a way that respects socio-cultural identity, demonstrate self-awareness, reflective practice, and personal leadership. The programme includes 200 hours of workplace practice for hands-on experience.
What you need to know first
10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits
10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits

Health and Wellbeing
Community Services
Social Services

Community support worker
Disability support roles
Diversional therapist
Social Services
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Gain the skills to support change, growth and wellbeing at a community level. This programme prepares you to work effectively as a community support worker in the health and wellbeing sector.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
It will take a total of 1 year

Assist individuals, families, and community groups to enhance their health, wellbeing, and prosperity in community settings.

Effectively engage and communicate with people in a manner that respects their socio-cultural identity.

Show personal leadership, self-awareness, and apply reflective practice in professional settings.
This programme is designed to equip you with the skills to assist individuals, families, and community groups in areas such as disability support, diversional therapy, employment, housing, budget support, and information that can enhance health, wellbeing, and prosperity. You'll learn to effectively engage and communicate in a way that respects socio-cultural identity, demonstrate self-awareness, reflective practice, and personal leadership. The programme includes 200 hours of workplace practice for hands-on experience.
What you need to know first
10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits
10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits

Health and Wellbeing
Community Services
Social Services

Community support worker
Disability support roles
Diversional therapist
or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Ara Support Work and Social Work Pathway or equivalent)
Police vetting and two referee reports
Signed disclosure form
Possible interview
Alternative entry for those with demonstrated equivalent skills/experience
Community wellbeing advocate
General community and social services roles
or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Ara Support Work and Social Work Pathway or equivalent)
Police vetting and two referee reports
Signed disclosure form
Possible interview
Alternative entry for those with demonstrated equivalent skills/experience
Community wellbeing advocate
General community and social services roles