Social Worker - Acute
- Waikato Hospital – Acute Social Work Team
- Qualified/ NZ Registered Social Worker
- Permanent Full time – 24 hours per week (0.6 FTE)
- Monday- Friday – 7:30am – 4pm
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. We are dedicated to building a team that is representative of the communities that we are serving ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified practitioner to join the Acute Social Work services and undertake a permanent part time (0.6 FTE) position within Waikato Hospital.
This position is within the Acute Social Work Team (Physical Health) supporting our Older Persons Rehabilitation wards. However, there will be an expectation to also support across other wards at Waikato hospital as and when needed.
Click here to view the position description
About our Service
Our Social Work team covers the Emergency Department, Critical Care, Medicine, Surgery, Women's Health, Paediatrics, Older Persons & Rehabilitation, Renal, Oncology and Community. Although our team works within a range of health services in hospital and community-based settings throughout the Waikato district, they report professionally to a manager within our Allied Health Service. The key priorities of the Social Work role include robust Psychosocial Assessment and Intervention, Patient and Whānau Advocacy, Discharge Planning and Care Coordination, Working in a Multidisciplinary Team, Safeguarding and Risk Management.
About you
- Current registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).
- Current New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate (APC).
- Full New Zealand driver’s licence
- At least 2 years’ experience as a Social Worker
- Experience working in an acute health setting or related experience in a multi-disciplinary setting
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to a fast-paced environment
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work across multiple teams
- Strong commitment to bicultural practice and equity in healthcare.
- Understanding of the psychosocial impact of illness and changing health status.
We are the largest employer in New Zealand, providing public healthcare to 5 million people living throughout the country. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare in New Zealand.
If you want to
- Make a real impact
- Work with the best
- Grow your career
- Find a fresh take on balance
Send us your application today and join us in shaping the future of healthcare in New Zealand.
How to Apply
To apply please click “Apply online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.
All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 11 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ekeraam Jones Ekeraam.Jones@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz OR Caryn Van Shipley Caryn.VanShipley@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
