Social Worker - Paediatrics

• Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier’s Hospital, Child Development Service I Te Kunenga Mai Rongokako
• Permanent, Part-time 40 hours per fortnight (0.5 FTE)

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

Ko Te Ahurei te Tamaiti Arahia ō Tātou Mahi Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work

An exciting opportunity has become available in Te Kunenga Mai Rongokako our Child Development Service, for a registered Social worker.

As a Paediatric Social Worker within Te Kunenga Mai Rongokako - Child Development Service, you will play a key role in supporting tamariki with developmental needs and their whānau to thrive. Your mahi will include providing social work assessment and intervention, walking alongside families navigating disability‑related challenges, and helping them access the right supports at the right time. You will also coordinate services for tamariki diagnosed with Autism, supporting whānau for up to two years post‑diagnosis as they adjust, connect with community supports, and understand available pathways.

Each day brings variety, purpose and meaningful connection - you’ll build relationships, problem‑solve, and contribute to an integrated, culturally responsive approach that puts whānau at the centre. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in your community while working in a supportive, multidisciplinary team with strong professional leadership and ongoing development opportunities.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Te Kunenga Mai Rongokako - Child Development Service is a multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting tamariki with disabilities and developmental needs across Hawke’s Bay. The team includes therapists, social workers, and specialist clinicians working collaboratively to ensure whānau receive coordinated, mana‑enhancing care.

You’ll be based in Hastings and work closely with community providers, NGOs, LMCs, schools, and health professionals to ensure a seamless and supportive service. The team culture is grounded in partnership, teamwork, and respect, with a strong commitment to delivering equitable outcomes for Māori and reflecting the values of the Hawke’s Bay health sector - He Kauanuanu (Respect), Ākina (Improvement), Rāranga te tira (Teamwork) and Tauwhiro (Care).

Hawke’s Bay offers excellent work-life balance, sun, beaches, exceptional outdoor adventures, great schools, mountains and skiing close by, wonderful food and stunning wineries, vibrant cities and plenty more to boast about, click HERE to take a closer look at what Hawke’s Bay has to offer.

About you

You will be a compassionate, motivated and skilled Registered Social Worker who is passionate about supporting tamariki and whānau. You will bring:

• A Bachelor of Social Work (or higher) and a current Social Work Registration Board practising certificate.
• Experience working with tamariki and their caregivers, ideally within paediatrics, disability, or community‑based services.
• Strong engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships and collaborate across multiple agencies.
• Knowledge of the health and social issues impacting vulnerable whānau, and confidence in advocating for their needs.
• The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and confidence engaging effectively and respectfully with Māori whānau.

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 review the position profile, click HERE To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Val White via email on 027-580-4831 or Val.White@hbdhb.govt.nz

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