Social Worker

• Live and work in Whakatāne, a sunny coastal town with award-winning beaches, native bush and a strong sense of community
• Part time position – 0.7 FTE
• 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.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

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

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 4 October 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.