Tui Houia

Tui Houia – Family Support social worker - Gisborne

What does your job involve?
I have a broad role which involves meeting with whānau and providing a range of support. I do home visits which are often referred to me from CYF (Child, Youth and Family) and other agencies to ensure that children and families are in a safe and happy environment. The support I offer to families is child focussed. I reinforce positive parenting skills and help develop coping strategies and resilience in order to create safe, healthy homes for children here in Gisborne.

How long have you been working at Barnardos?
I’ve been with Barnardos since 2004. During this time, I’ve had a number of different roles in all areas of the organisation. The reason I started at Barnardos was my social work placement. From there, I became a Children’s Contact Supervisor. I have also facilitated Strengthening Families as the lead agent and assisted in the domestic violence programme for children. Up until 2010, I was completing a Bachelor of Social Work and so was working part time with Barnardos helping with the Parenting through Separation programme.

How and why did you end up working for Barnardos?
I started working for Barnardos thanks to a social work placement. I’m still working here because I love it and I’m passionate about working and supporting whanau. I enjoy the great people and the environment within Barnardos. I am lucky to have a fantastic manager and colleagues to work with every day.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The hardest part would have to be the constant learning of new processes and frameworks that we use. There’s always something new to learn. The constant change can often be challenging because I’m always dealing with new people and new situations. Every day is a new day.

What is it about Barnardos that you like?
Once again, it’s the working environment within Barnardos. There are many supportive staff – managers and other social workers that are around and willing to help me when required. Knowing I have that support is very motivating.

What is the best part of your job?
I love the satisfaction of achieving a positive outcome with a family. Knowing I’ve made a positive contribution to that family and their children is very gratifying. Providing parenting programmes, special education groups and domestic violence programmes, I help parents to become better people and as a result improve the wider community and whānau.

What do you hope to achieve at Barnardos in the future?
I hope to gain more experience in the social work arena to create a positive impact on individuals within the community. I’d like to develop healthy and strong relationships with other networks in the social work field but also with families in my community.