Core Social Worker, Infant Mental Health

New Zealand Government Joba; Howick; On-site; NZD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking onsite

Immigration/visa support

Professional development opportunities

Employee discounts

Job summary

Health New Zealand |TeWhatu Ora is seeking a Mental Health Social Worker for the Whakatupu Ora Infant Mental Health Team in South Auckland. The role focuses on assessments and evidence-based interventions for children aged 0–4 and their caregivers, delivered in clinic and community settings.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team from a base in East Tamaki, with strong emphasis on early intervention, whānau engagement, and collaboration with partner services.

Qualifications

• Must be registered social worker with APC in NZ.
• 2+ years in a similar mental health role is required.
• Demonstrated ability to engage diverse families and whānau.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and deliver evidence-based interventions for children aged 0–4 and their caregivers.
• Focus on early intervention and family engagement to improve outcomes.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and external services to implement intervention plans.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and team training opportunities.

Skills

Experience in infant mental health

Diversity & inclusion

Excellent communication

Education

Social Worker Registration

Annual Practising Certificate

2+ years post-qualification experience

Job description

Permanent, Full time - Monday to FridayRemuneration as per PSA Allied Health MECA guidelinesHealth New Zealand |TeWhatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles ofTeTiritio Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.We are seeking a Mental Health Social Worker to join our Infant Mental Health Team - Whakatupu Ora in the vibrant and culturally diverse community of South Auckland.Whakatupu Ora Infant Mental Health team is a multi-disciplinary specialist service team providing assessment and therapy for children (0 to 4 years) and their caregivers to improve mental health outcomes for children.We are based at 7 Springs Road site in East Tamaki and the team provides clinic and community-based services for families in the Counties Manukau area.As an Infant Mental Health clinician, you will be engaged in clinical activities such as assessments and provide evidencebased interventions. You will have a focus on early intervention, experience in working with family/whaanau and excellent communication skills to work collaboratively with a wide range of services and professionals on intervention plans.This is a team with a range of clinical skills and expertise, and we are supportive of staff new to the speciality. Training opportunities for professional development in this speciality are supported.Essential:Registration and an Annual Practising Certificate with the New Zealand Social Workers Registration BoardAt least 2 years experience in a similar roleFull, clean drivers licenceAbility to work in a diverse communityWhat's in it for you?Access to relevant industry trainingAnnual practicing certificate is refunded for every additional year of serviceFantastic culture and team environmentFree parking onsiteSupport with Immigration/VisaDiscounted services as part of our work perksWorking at Health New ZealandHealth New Zealand |TeWhatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community.We welcome applications from our diverseMaaori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.How to ApplyTo apply please click apply now. All applications must besubmittedthrough our online careers portal by 14 October 2026.If you have any questions about the role, please contact Elly on [e-mail] or Amy [e-mail] will review applications as received and mayproceedwith the recruitmentprocess, beforethe closing date of this advert.At Counties Manukau Health people and their lives matter to us. We are a values based and inclusive organisation that is committed to delivering the best health outcomes for our community. To help us achieve this we need a workforce that reflects the population we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds who share our values and have a passion to work in our community and would greatly value seeing applicants from our Maaori and Pacific communities. We are also committed to our Disability Strategy, which focuses on people with disabilities; they are our patients, whaanau, community and our staff - all carefully considered in our action plan. Together we will improve the accessibility needs for everyone who has a disability. Our values are Valuing Everyone- Whakawhanaungatanga , Kind Manaakitanga, Together Kotahitanga, Excellent- Rangatiratanga. If these are your values too, then join us today.