National Certificate in Social Services (Level 4)

Summary

The National Certificate is designed for people who wish to test their suitability and aptitude for work within the social services. It is a beginning step on the pathway towards professional training for working in the social services industry. People awarded this qualification may choose to move on to the National Diploma in Community Work (Level 6) [Ref: 0987], National Diploma in Counselling (Level 6) [Ref: 0988], National Diploma in Iwi/Maori Social Services (Level 6) [Ref: 0667], or the National Diploma in Social Work (Level 6) [Ref: 0989].

The National Certificate in Social Services (Level 4) is a qualification that prepares people for paid or unpaid social service work at a beginning level of competency. People awarded this qualification are able to work with limited autonomy, under professional and managerial supervision. They are able to demonstrate knowledge of social service work in Aotearoa New Zealand, and demonstrate a beginning competency in establishing working relationships with users of social services, and contributing to the provision of social services. Their competence is developed within a framework for practice informed by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ethical and legislative boundaries, and they can integrate knowledge, skills, and values learning in social service work in discrete situations.

The National Certificate in Social Services (Level 4) does not qualify people to be professional practitioners in the social services, for example as a Counsellor or a statutory Social Worker.