Needs Assessor / Service Coordinator

CGR Services; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand's Supportlinks NASC service in Palmerston North is seeking a compassionate Needs Assessor / Service Coordinator. The role focuses on needs assessments, coordinating support, and helping clients and whānau access services to live independently.

You will work with inpatient teams to support discharge planning, build relationships with community providers, and adapt to a diverse range of cases in a community-centric role within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Current Annual Practising Certificate in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Social Work.
• Strong desire to help people and whānau achieve their goals.
• Knowledge of community resources, services and networks.

Responsibilities

• Undertake needs assessments and coordinate support for clients and whānau.
• Work alongside clients, whānau, health professionals and community providers to develop practical solutions.
• Support safe and effective discharge planning with inpatient clinical teams.

Education

Annual Practising Certificate in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Social Work

Job description

Needs Assessor / Service Coordinator Supportlinks Palmerston North Hospital | Full time Permanent Make a difference where it matters most — helping people and whānau live well in their communities. Are you a compassionate, adaptable health professional who enjoys connecting people with the right support? Supportlinks is MidCentral's Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) service, supporting people across our district who have acute or short-term needs, long-term health conditions, or age-related health needs. We're looking for an enthusiastic and energetic Needs Assessor / Service Coordinator to join our supportive team and help people and whānau identify their goals, understand their options and access the services they need to live as independently as possible. About the Role This is a varied role with a strong community focus, alongside opportunities to work within our inpatient services. You'll undertake needs assessments, coordinate support and work alongside clients, whānau, health professionals and community providers to develop practical solutions that support wellbeing, independence and quality of life. You'll also work closely with inpatient clinical teams to support safe and effective discharge planning, helping ensure people have the right support in place when they return home. No two days will be the same — and your ability to adapt, problem-solve and think creatively will be highly valued.

• A current Annual Practising Certificate in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Social Work
• A strong desire to help people and whānau achieve their goals
• A mana-enhancing and restorative approach to practice
• Knowledge of community resources, services and networks
• Established or developing relationships with iwi and Māori providers in the MidCentral district
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Strong organisation and time-management skills
• The confidence to work within a changing health environment
• A willingness to adapt, be flexible and explore new ways of working
• Confidence using technology, with the ability to learn new assessment software
• A full, current NZ driver licence

Why Supportlinks?

• This is an opportunity to use your professional skills in a role where your assessment, advocacy and coordination can make a real difference to someone's everyday life.
• You'll join a supportive team where collaboration, flexibility and a person-centred approach are at the heart of what we do.
• If you're looking for a role where you can build strong community connections, work across different parts of the health system and help people achieve what matters to them — we'd love to hear from you.

About the Location Manawatū is known for its effortless blend of city and rural living; here you can choose your ideal lifestyle, from peaceful rural villages, to bustling townships, or city life. It's a family-friendly place that's easy to live and work, with easy access to an array of outdoor activities – beaches, ski fields, lakes, mountains, as well as fantastic mountain biking and hiking tracks. No traffic and an easy commute to work, really help a with true work-life balance. Our fantastic central location means exploring other parts of New Zealand is easy as a drive or a short flight. We are well served with excellent schooling options, as well as two tertiary institutes – Massey University and the International Pacific College. Discover more hidden gems that Manawatū and Palmerston North have to offer here: Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business (manawatunz.co.nz). Check out our careers site here for more information about Palmerston North hospital. We actively encourage a life work balance and appreciate flexibility can be important, so we are open to discuss options!

Working at Health New Zealand Health New Zealand | Te Whatu 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 diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tara Penketh, Recruitment Advisor (Allied Health) at [e-mail]>

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position. We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible so may withdraw the advert if the perfect candidate is found before the expiry date. We strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We aim to develop a diverse team that reflects the communities that we serve, and we welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs. MidCentral actively seeks Māori into our workforce to reflect the community we serve. Some positions are defined as a Core Children's worker under the Children's Act and require full safety checks completed before employment commences.