Social Worker – Renal

Location: Main base of Wellington Regional Hospital but required to work across multiple sites

Contract: Permanent, 40 hours per week (Open to discussions about part time hours for multiple clinicians) 

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 

Working closely with renal nurses and medical staff, along with renal dietitians this role works predominantly in the adult inpatient renal ward at Wellington Regional Hospital. The successful applicant will work in partnership with the social worker for renal outpatients and has an outpatient case load component. This role assists patients and their whānau with the impact of chronic and complex medical conditions. 

The role holder will complete psychosocial assessments with patients and their whānau and work in partnership with their multi-disciplinary colleagues to facilitate supportive and safe discharges from hospital.  You will respond to a range of referrals including addressing complex social issues, discharge planning and support at home.  We encourage therapeutic social work and trauma informed practice, and value patient centred care. The role may cover into other areas of the hospital across inpatient, outpatient and community settings as required.

About the Team/Service Location 

This role sits in the Allied Health Outpatient Team which includes podiatrists, specialist physiotherapists, social workers and dietitians that are spread across 3 sites: Wellington Regional Hospital, Kenepuru Hospital and Hutt Hospital. We are a diverse and inclusive team who provide a service to patients and their whānau across predominantly outpatient but also inpatient and community settings. 

The role will work alongside the inpatient social team based at Wellington hospital which includes 22 social workers who complete psychosocial assessments across the age range and provide holistic social work interventions. Additionally this role will work closely with the Renal Multi-Disciplinary Team of specialist medical and nursing staff as well as specialist renal dietitians. 

About you 

• Passionate, motivated Social Worker committed to supporting patients and whānau through their health journey in a renal care setting.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and with external agencies, delivering comprehensive care to diverse patients with complex health needs.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and time management skills essential to success in this role.
• NZ Registered Social Worker with a current APC and at least one year of social work practice (candidates with less experience may also be considered).
• Knowledgeable in psychosocial needs assessment, legal requirements in healthcare, and culturally safe care for Māori and Pacific Island communities (previous experience in health social work and therapeutic counselling 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 27 November. 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.