Social Worker

JobSpace; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 38,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand in Whakatāne is seeking a Registered Social Worker to deliver a professional social work service within the Allied Health Acute Service. You will assess needs, manage cases, and support clients and whānau with safety, disability, and grief.

Join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team within Te Koru Rehabilitation at Whakatāne Hospital, contributing to culturally safe care and strong community outcomes.

Qualifications

• New Zealand Registered Social Worker with an Annual Practising Certificate.
• Health sector experience with vulnerable children or adults.
• Experience working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of legislation impacting social work practice and adherence to the ANZASW Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.
• Full NZ driver’s licence.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide a professional and effective social work service for clients and families facing vulnerability, safety and risk, health and disability, and grief and loss.
• Undertake comprehensive social work needs assessments and case management in partnership with the multidisciplinary team.
• Support clients and whānau through challenging moments in their lives.

Skills

Clinical judgement

Ethical practice

Communication skills

Cultural safety

Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice

Education

NZ Registered Social Worker with Annual Practising Certificate

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Live and work in Whakatāne, a sunny coastal town with award-winning beaches, native bush and a strong sense of community

Join a warm, supportive Allied Health team making a real difference for vulnerable patients and whānau

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

As a Social Worker within our Allied Health Acute Service, you will provide a professional and effective social work service for clients and their families facing issues of vulnerability, safety and risk, health and disability, and grief and loss. You will undertake comprehensive social work needs assessments, provide case management in partnership with the multidisciplinary team and support clients and their whānau through some of the most challenging moments in their lives.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Allied Health Acute & Rehabilitation Service is part of the Te Koru Rehabilitation at Whakatāne Hospital. It brings together social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, psychology, podiatry and allied health assistants across acute wards like the ED, ACU, Maternity, Paediatrics, Medical and Surgical wards. The team is known for its collaborative culture, strong professional support and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for patients and their whānau. Located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne offers an exceptional lifestyle with beaches, bush walks, rivers and outdoor recreation all within minutes of the hospital.

About You

You are a Registered Social Worker who is passionate about supporting vulnerable clients and their families through periods of health, disability and personal challenge. You bring sound clinical judgement, strong ethical practice and excellent communication skills. You are equally comfortable working autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team and you're committed to upholding cultural safety and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everything you do.

What you will bring:

• New Zealand Registered Social Worker with a current Annual Practicing Certificate
• Health sector experience, including experience working with vulnerable children or adults
• Demonstrated experience working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Sound knowledge of legislation impacting social work practice and adherence to the ANZASW Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct
• Three years of post-graduate experience, provision of professional supervision, and/or Care and Protection social work experience (desirable)
• Full NZ driver's licence
• Understanding of and commitment to implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice

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: WHA01597

Location: North Island - Bay of Plenty - Whakatane

Job type: Permanent Part time

Expertise: Clinical - Allied Health - Social Worker