Social Worker - General Medical

Location: Wellington Regional Hospital 

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we’re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence. 

About the Role 

This role will suit an experienced social worker who understands the health setting and has a passion for working with Tangata Whai Ora (seekers of health) as they navigate their changing health.  The General Medicine inpatient service provides assessment, diagnosis, stabilisation, treatment and rehabilitation to those who present with urgent medical needs and/or chronic medical conditions. The role holder will work within a busy medical ward at Wellington Hospital with adults who have complex health and social needs, and require support to manage this in their communities.

The role holder will complete psychosocial assessments with patients and their whānau and work in partnership with their allied, nursing and medical colleagues to facilitate supportive and safe discharges from hospital, with a focus on managing their health in the community.  They will respond to a range of referrals including addressing complex social issues, adjustment to new diagnosis, and support discharge planning. 

The role covers into other areas of the hospital as required and participates in the Saturday roster. 

About the Team/Service Location 

We are a diverse and inclusive team of 22 social workers who provide a service to patients and their whānau across inpatient, outpatient and community settings.  We complete psycho social assessments across the age range and provide holistic social work interventions.  We encourage therapeutic social work and trauma informed practice, and value patient centred care. The role will be well supported by the five other medical social workers and the social work coordinator.  Come and join our friendly experienced team in a supportive workplace environment. 

About you 

You will have a passion for working in health and be highly motivated to support patients and their whānau navigate the health and social care systems.  You will be able to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, with external agencies, and whānau to support tangata whai ora adjust to and manage their changing health needs. Working with a diverse group of patients with significant health needs the post holder will require excellent documentation, communication and time management skills. 

We welcome applications from social workers with all levels of experience who have a dedication and passion for this work. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds who share our values to apply, and would greatly appreciate seeing applicants from our Māori and Pacific communities. 

The successful applicant will have the following skills and attributes:

• NZ Registered Social Worker with current annual practicing certificate
• 3 years social work practice, preferably in a health setting
• The ability to complete psychosocial needs assessment
• Navigating and working within the legal requirements of health care and social work
• A clear understanding of the health needs of Māori and Pacific Island communities 
• Therapeutic social work counselling experience (desirable)
• Previous work in a health setting and a good understanding of health social work (desirable)

Working at Health New Zealand 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness’. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. We embrace diversity and welcome application from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and disability. A workforce that is diverse and inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We are pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community. 

How to Apply 

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 7 December. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Philip.Adamson@tewhatuora.govt.nz 

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