Social Worker: Cancer Support

Social Worker – Cancer Support: Psychology and Social Work Team

Permanent, Part Time (0.7 FTE/56 hours per fortnight)

North Shore Hospital

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Waitematā has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our Cancer Support: Psychology and Social Work Team.

We are seeking an experienced practitioner, who will bring advanced clinical skills, leadership capability, and a strong commitment to holistic, equitable cancer care.

About the service

Our service provides psychosocial support to people from high suspicion of cancer, through diagnosis, treatment, and the completion of active cancer care. We work closely with patients, whānau, and carers to address the complex emotional, social, cultural, and practical impacts of cancer.

We are an innovative and compassionate team delivering integrated psychosocial care across a range of Waitematā specialties, in collaboration with the Northern Region Cancer Support services and cancer Non government organisations (NGOs). The team works closely within multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) to ensure coordinated, patient‑centred care.

About the role

This role is predominantly community‑based, with additional work in inpatient settings and outpatient clinics.

As an experienced social worker, you will:

• Deliver high-quality psychosocial assessment and interventions for people with cancer and their whānau
• Apply critical thinking and evidence-informed practice to complex clinical situations
• Advocate effectively for patients within health and community systems
• Educate and support other health professionals regarding the psychosocial needs of cancer patients
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and projects that enhance holistic cancer care
• Support the Clinical Leader in driving team performance, quality, and best practice

Required skills and experience

• A recognised Social Work qualification with full registration with the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board and a current Annual Practising Certificate
• A minimum of three years’ post‑qualification social work experience in an acute hospital and/or community health setting
• Demonstrated understanding of, and competence in, Tikanga Māori
• A full, driver’s licence
• Advanced psychosocial assessment and intervention skills
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

• Membership of ANZASW
• Experience working with grief, loss, and adjustment
• Proven experience working within multidisciplinary teams
• Strong cultural knowledge and the ability to work effectively alongside diverse communities
• Experience in service development and managing projects to improve patient care
• Experience providing clinical supervision to social workers and/or allied health professionals

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to delivering equitable, culturally responsive healthcare for all New Zealanders.

We are also committed to creating a supportive work environment and offer:

• Regular supervision and training opportunities
• Encouragement to develop your skills and interests within a supportive team environment
• On-going best practice initiatives
• On-going professional development

Other work perks include;

• Access to free health NZ Waitematā 24/7 Staff Gym and free EAP Assistance Programme
• Discounts at some great companies via our Waitematā Work Perks network
• Payment of APC and contribution towards Professional Association fees
• Access to support for professional development

Do you share our passion in providing an excellent service for adults?

Are you a dynamic, resilient, clinician seeking new opportunities?

Can you work independently within a team while holding a desire to be a part of an innovative service?

Then we want to hear from you and encourage you to apply online now! 

For a copy of the Position Description, please click here

Working at 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 diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 1 April 2026.

For further information please contact:

Anna Norgrove, Clinical Leader – Social Work, Cancer Support at anna.norgrove@waitematadhb.govt.nz or 021 728 182

OR

Gwyneth Capes, Charge Nurse Manager, Cancer Services +64 21 816576 | Gwyneth.Capes@waitematadhb.govt.nz or 021816576

For recruitment specific questions please contact Lissa Crook, Recruitment Consultant: lissa.crook@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Job reference: WDHB21298

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.