Social Services & Youth Work
Provide expert care and support to your community through a qualification from Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga. Our suite of courses helps you develop the confidence and skills that future employers are looking for.
Gain the knowledge and skills to support your community. You'll work with people to develop goals and strategies that support them in their needs. Learn how to access and draw on support and resources to address barriers, build resilience and help make a real difference in people’s lives. You will also discover a lot about yourself and harness your innate abilities.
Benefit from our real-world approach to learning. The experience you’ll gain on work placements as part of your study will give you the skills to transition into employment easily.
“I chose this particular area of study because like most people I have a past, I have made bad decisions and I have experienced the rougher side of life. I want to use my negative life experiences to help and support others.”
Shaylee Morton
Bachelor of Social Services
Social Services qualifications
Community Services
Aligned with community and industry needs, and national strategies, this qualification will provide you with the practical knowledge and skills you need for a career in social support work. This is a holistic programme, that develops your knowledge and skills to facilitate wellbeing across the four dimensions; hauroa (health) including tinana (physical), hinengaro (mental and emotional), whānau (family and social) and wairua (spiritual and connection).Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
On campus, Online
Location
Dunedin, Online
Career potential
Facilitator, Social Support Worker, Wellbeing Advisor, Wellbeing Coach
Community Services
This qualification will prepare you for a career as a Youth Worker within Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll learn skills and techniques to support young people (12-24 years) and their whānau by helping them to develop quality relationships and providing guidance on education, training and employment. This programme is offered on campus but with the option to attend online classes to make it as easy for you to access as possible.Duration
2 Years Full-time
4 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus with online learning and in-person block courses
Location
Dunedin and online
Career potential
Rangatahi Development Worker, Youth Advocate, Youth Facilitator, Youth Worker
Community Services
This degree will give you the necessary skills to be a capable and confident social services professional working in New Zealand. We offer two specialties - Counselling or Health and Wellbeing Practice. You’ll graduate with a high-level of self-awareness, a thorough understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and the communication skills to engage and support a diverse range of people.Duration
3 Years Full-time
6 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Work-based through Capable NZ
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Counsellor, Disability Support, Mental Health Advisor
Student stories
Research stories to inspire
We encourage applied research to support teaching and community needs, available to all.
Contact us
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.
