https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/about-us/news/a-boost-for-new-social-workers/
The Supported Practice Step (SPS) was introduced late last year to better support university graduates into their first statutory social work position. It was part of the Pay Equity Terms of Settlement in 2018 which was negotiated with the Public Service Association.
Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive, Gráinne Moss says the initiative demonstrates our on-going commitment to the agreement and it will give graduates a much-needed boost into statutory social work.
Emerging Practitioners (new social workers on the SPS) are placed in teams throughout the country and have additional support for at least six months.
They follow a practice curriculum and have restrictions on the number of tamariki they work with to ensure they have more time for dedicated learning, reflection and supervision.
After six months, their progress is evaluated to see if they are ready to manage their own caseload. If so, they move to step one of the social worker’s pay scale.