Social Services
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Gain practical skills to support individuals and families and build community resilience in a social services context. This Level 4 certificate prepares you to work as a social support worker in the health and wellbeing sector through study and 200 hours of workplace practice.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch
It will take a total of 1 year

Apply practical and theoretical knowledge to support individuals and families, addressing vulnerability and building resilience.

Support and prevent family violence and advocate for social justice in community settings.

Contribute to community development initiatives and assist individuals from refugee backgrounds.
This programme equips students to be effective social support workers, focusing on areas like family violence prevention, social justice advocacy, community development, and refugee support. Learners will develop skills in engaging respectfully with diverse communities, self-awareness, reflective practice, and personal leadership. A core component is 200 hours of workplace practice, providing hands-on experience in addiction and mental health settings.
What you need to know first
10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits and 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits OR equivalent
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Ara Support Work and Social Work Pathway or equivalent

Health and Wellbeing
Social Services
Community Support

Social support worker
Community support worker
Roles in addiction and mental health services
Social Services
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Gain practical skills to support individuals and families and build community resilience in a social services context. This Level 4 certificate prepares you to work as a social support worker in the health and wellbeing sector through study and 200 hours of workplace practice.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch
It will take a total of 1 year

Apply practical and theoretical knowledge to support individuals and families, addressing vulnerability and building resilience.

Support and prevent family violence and advocate for social justice in community settings.

Contribute to community development initiatives and assist individuals from refugee backgrounds.
This programme equips students to be effective social support workers, focusing on areas like family violence prevention, social justice advocacy, community development, and refugee support. Learners will develop skills in engaging respectfully with diverse communities, self-awareness, reflective practice, and personal leadership. A core component is 200 hours of workplace practice, providing hands-on experience in addiction and mental health settings.
What you need to know first
10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits and 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits OR equivalent
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Ara Support Work and Social Work Pathway or equivalent

Health and Wellbeing
Social Services
Community Support

Social support worker
Community support worker
Roles in addiction and mental health services
Consent to Disclosure of Information (Police vetting required for placements)
Two referee reports evidencing good character and personal attributes
Signed disclosure form
Interview (may be required for fit and proper person check)
Alternative entry available with evidence of equivalent skills/experience
Family violence support
Advocacy and community development positions
Consent to Disclosure of Information (Police vetting required for placements)
Two referee reports evidencing good character and personal attributes
Signed disclosure form
Interview (may be required for fit and proper person check)
Alternative entry available with evidence of equivalent skills/experience
Family violence support
Advocacy and community development positions