New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4) - (Whanau, Community and Social Services)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-07-08 | - |
Program Overview
The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) equips individuals with skills to support individuals, families, and communities in health or social service settings. Through blended learning, participants develop relationships, provide leadership, and demonstrate cultural responsiveness while understanding the impact of socio-cultural factors on health and social outcomes. Graduates are prepared for careers as community support workers, social workers, and other roles in community-based settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4) focuses on equipping individuals working in the community with the skills and knowledge to support individuals, whānau/family, and communities. The program emphasizes developing autonomy, utilizing tools and strategies to reduce vulnerability, and building resilience. Participants will gain valuable skills in building relationships, providing leadership, and demonstrating cultural responsiveness.
Objectives:
- Develop skills and knowledge necessary to build effective professional relationships with individuals, whānau, and community networks in health or social service settings.
- Understand the impact of socio-cultural and historical factors on health and social outcomes.
- Reflect on the use of appropriate communication strategies that demonstrate respect for diversity and promote working in partnership with others.
- Develop skills and knowledge to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of individuals, whānau, and families engaged in social services.
- Reflect on ethical and legal implications related to the role of a social service worker.
- Develop skills and knowledge to provide culturally responsive care and advocate appropriately.
- Understand the role in quality improvement and its impact on health and wellbeing.
- Reflect on personal leadership and the ability to influence effective teamwork to promote self-management and health literacy.
- Develop skills and knowledge to work effectively as a support worker in a community setting.
- Understand relevant policy and theory for social service practice.
- Reflect on the tools and strategies used to reduce vulnerability and build resilience.
Description:
This program utilizes blended learning methods, combining face-to-face sessions, online delivery, and work-integrated learning. The initial week involves a four-day orientation program, followed by fortnightly on-campus sessions and self-directed learning completed within the workplace.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program comprises four courses:
- Whānaungatanga Building Relationships (30 credits): This course focuses on developing skills and knowledge for building effective professional relationships with individuals, families, and community networks in health or social service settings.
- Safety and Practice in Social Services (30 credits): This course equips participants with the skills and knowledge to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of individuals, whānau, and families engaged in social services.
- Leadership and Cultural Responsiveness (30 credits): This course focuses on providing culturally responsive care and advocating appropriately. Participants will explore their role in quality improvement, its impact on health and wellbeing, and reflect on their leadership skills and ability to promote self-management and health literacy within the community.
- Social Services in the Aotearoa New Zealand Context (30 credits): This course equips participants with the skills and knowledge to work effectively as a support worker in a community setting.
Structure:
The program is delivered over one year, with full-time and part-time options available.
Course Schedule:
The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining:
- Online delivery: Asynchronous learning through online modules and resources
- Work-integrated learning: Completing tasks and assignments within the workplace
Individual Modules:
Whānaungatanga Building Relationships (30 credits):
- Understanding the concept of whānaungatanga
- Building relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Effective communication strategies
- Working in partnership with others
- Safe practices in social service settings
- Advocacy and ethical considerations
- Mental health and addiction services
- Supporting vulnerable individuals and families
Leadership and Cultural Responsiveness (30 credits):
- Leadership in social service settings
- Cultural responsiveness in practice
- Quality improvement in social services
- Promoting self-management and health literacy
- Leading and working in teams
Social Services in the Aotearoa New Zealand Context (30 credits):
- Policy and theory in social services
- Social services in the New Zealand context
- Social determinants of health
- Tools and strategies for reducing vulnerability and building resilience
- Working with diverse communities
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Assignments
- Case studies
- Presentations
- Portfolio
- Practical observations
- Exams
Assessment Criteria:
Assessments are graded based on criteria related to:
- Knowledge and understanding of the course content
- Application of theory to practice
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural responsiveness and ethical awareness
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Group discussions
- Workshops
- Role-playing exercises
- Case studies
- Guest speakers
Faculty:
The program is delivered by experienced practitioners and academics with expertise in social services, health, and community development.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes work-integrated learning, allowing participants to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations within their workplaces. The focus on blended learning provides flexibility and accessibility for students.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program may pursue careers in various settings, including:
- Community support worker
- Social worker
- Case manager
- Youth worker
- Advocate
- Health promoter
- Mental health worker
- Addiction counselor
Career Outcomes:
The program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge to work effectively in a variety of community-based settings. They will be prepared to provide support and services to individuals, families, and communities facing social and health challenges.
Other:
Entry Requirements:
- NCEA Level 1 or equivalent
- Evidence of suitability based on referees and safety check
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no band score lower than 5.5
Fees:
- Domestic: $5,292 (indicative for 2024 intake)
- International: $25,000 (indicative for 2024 intake)
How to Apply:
- Complete the online application form
- Provide a completed supplementary application form
- Submit a referee report
- Provide verified ID and official transcripts
Start Date:
- 08/07/2024
