Social Worker (0.8 FTE)

Social Worker, Wairau Hospital, Permanent Part-time

• This is a challenging and rewarding employment opportunity in a place where you can make a difference in the lives of patients and their whanau’s lives.
• You will gain valuable experience in social work and will be able to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and with external agencies.

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, you will provide safe and clinically effective assessment and intervention, either within a specific area or across a broad range of areas, with a focus on the development of more in-depth knowledge and skills. This role has a maternity and paediatric patient focus, while providing cover where needed.

 This role also includes assessing and addressing the psychological and social needs of patients and families, facilitating communication, and assisting with navigating the healthcare system and accessing necessary resources.

This is a permanent, part time role working hours per fortnight (0.8 FTE), Monday to Friday.

Please click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service/ Location

We are a team of 4 social workers based at the Wairau hospital and have colleagues in Nelson hospital and community. We have a supportive team which skills are complimentary and supportive to each other and the service.

We value our cohesive team culture of collaborative practice, openness, humour and respect across disciplines and engender confidence, trust and rapport with clients and their support networks. 

For more information on living and working in Blenheim click here

About you

As a Social Worker, you will:

• Have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and lots of energy.
• Be innovative, proactive, enthusiastic, flexible, and creative.
• Have a positive approach to all situations including problem solving.
• Be fully registered with the NZ Social Workers Registration Board and hold a current APC.
• Have experience working in a health setting, working as part of a multi-disciplinary team,
• Bring an understanding of the social determinants of health, as well as the impact on health and social needs,
• Be able to work in a collaborative way, delivering client-centred practice from a strength’s perspective.

Your ability to think on your feet and be experienced at working under pressure with a solution focused approach will be advantageous.

We are looking for someone with a good understanding of bi-cultural social work practice, in addition to knowledge / experience with violence intervention and prevention.

We encourage applicants with a Māori or Pacific background to apply for this role, however we strongly encourage any applicant with the appropriate capabilities who share our values to apply. In our organisation we are committed to the Treaty of Waitangi and values diversity, including inclusivity and empathy.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ visa at the time of applying.

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 22 May 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at sonja.rae@tewhatuora.govt.nz OR

Annelize de Wet (District Social Work Team Leader) at Annelize.deWet@nmdhb.govt.nz.

Job ref: R1W26-029

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

Position description Apply now

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