Registered Social Worker

• Live and work in a place where others like to holiday, Tauranga offers golden beaches, trendy cafes, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle
• 12-month fixed-term, full-time position – 1.0 FTE
• Ideal for passionate social workers seeking to extend your current social work skills 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 12-month fixed-term role, commencing in June, provides amazing opportunities to contribute 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.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About You

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)

To view the Position Description please click here

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.

How to Apply

To apply for the role please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 13 April 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact bp-Careers@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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