Registered Social Worker

Taranaki District Health Board; Tauranga; Hybrid; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora in Tauranga is seeking a registered Social Worker to join the Inpatient Social Work team at Tauranga Hospital. The role focuses on supporting patients and whānau through complex health journeys across hospital wards.

You will perform biopsychosocial assessments, safety planning, and develop intervention plans. This fixed-term 1.0 FTE position offers varied work with diverse cultures, ages, and needs.

Qualifications

• New Zealand recognised Social Work qualification with SWRB registration.
• At least two years of postgraduate social work experience in New Zealand.
• Experience working with family harm, addiction, or mental health services (desirable).
• Strong communication, assessment, and conflict management skills.
• Ability to produce clear, timely, and accurate documentation.
• Knowledge of local community support services and referral pathways (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Support patients and whānau through complex health journeys as part of the Allied Health Inpatient Social Work team at Tauranga Hospital.
• Undertake biopsychosocial, risk, and safety assessments and develop intervention plans that support recovery and wellbeing.
• Apply crisis intervention skills, provide therapeutic support, and help connect patients and whānau with hospital services and community agencies.

Skills

Strong communication

Assessment

Conflict management

Documentation

Knowledge of local community resources

Education

New Zealand recognised Social Work qualification with SWRB registration

Job description

• Live and work in a place where others like to holiday, Tauranga offers golden beaches, trendy cafes, and a laid‑back coastal lifestyle
• Fixed Term up until June 2027 - 1.0 FTE working Monday to Friday
• Ideal for experienced social workers seeking flexible hours in a dynamic hospital setting

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

Support patients and whānau through complex health journeys as part of the Allied Health Inpatient Social Work team at Tauranga Hospital. This role is offering 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week) across hospital wards while responding to service demand.

The role involves undertaking biopsychosocial, risk, and safety assessments and developing intervention plans that support recovery and wellbeing. You will apply crisis intervention skills, provide therapeutic support, and help connect patients and whānau with hospital services and community agencies. This a varied role where no two days are the same, working with people of diverse cultures, ages, and needs.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Inpatient Social Work team sits within Allied Health at Tauranga Hospital and plays a key role in supporting patient care across hospital wards. The team works alongside medical, nursing, and allied health colleagues to ensure holistic support for patients and whānau. You will join a collaborative, supportive service committed to trauma‑informed care, equitable outcomes, and strong community connections. Tauranga offers the professional challenge of a busy hospital alongside the lifestyle benefits of a coastal region known for its stunning beaches, outdoor activities, and strong sense of community.

You will be a compassionate and adaptable Registered Social Worker who brings strong interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm in fast‑paced environments. You value teamwork, communicate effectively with diverse groups, and demonstrate sound professional judgement. You take a reflective approach to practice and are committed to supportive positive outcomes for patients and whānau

What you will bring:

• New Zealand recognised Social Work qualification with SWRB registration
• At least two years of postgraduate social work experience in New Zealand
• Experience working with family harm, addiction, or mental health services, (desired)
• Strong communication, assessment, and conflict management skills
• Ability to produce clear, timely, and accurate documentation
• Knowledge of local community support services and referral pathways (preferred)

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Working for 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 Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Job details

Job Reference:

Job Reference: TAU02918

Location:

North Island - Bay of Plenty - Tauranga

Job type:

Job type: Contract/Temp Full time

Expertise:

Clinical - Allied Health - Social Worker