Social Worker - Inpatient Services

• Work where others holiday – enjoy the beaches, bustling cafes, and vibrant coastal lifestyle in Tauranga
• Full-time position – 1.0 FTE
• Contribute to adynamic, fast-paced hospital environment with a deeply supportive Allied Health team

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

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and supportive inpatient setting? This full-time position offers an exciting opportunity to join our Allied Health Inpatient Social Work team at Tauranga Hospital, where no two days are the same.

You will play a vital role supporting patients and whānau across the Emergency Department, Coronary Care, and Intensive Care Units, working alongside our existing ED Social Work team. You will undertake biopsychosocial assessments, risk and safety evaluations, and develop interventions tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Your crisis intervention and therapeutic support will help people navigate complex health journeys while strengthening their connections to both Hauora a Toi – Bay of Plenty services and wider community agencies.

This is a rostered Monday to Sunday role, including occasional weekends.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Allied Health Inpatient team at Tauranga Hospital is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in strong professional practice. The Social Work team in particular thrives on shared learning and working across disciplines to achieve the best possible outcomes. Based in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after coastal regions, you will enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in Tauranga while contributing to vital work that supports some of our most vulnerable communities.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About You

You are a registered Social Worker with a genuine commitment to trauma-informed, people-centred practice. With experience in complex care environments, you will remain calm under pressure and adaptable in the face of rapid change. You will bring warmth, clarity, and confidence to every patient interaction, demonstrating reflexivity, integrity, and sound professional judgement.

 What you will bring:

• New Zealand-recognised Social Work qualification with current SWRB registration
• At least two years of postgraduate experience in Aotearoa
• Familiarity with family harm, addiction, and mental health services (advantageous)
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to remain composed and effective in a fast-paced hospital environment
• Competence in producing timely, accurate, and professional documentation
• Established networks or knowledge of local support services (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 15 February 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.