Social Worker - Inpatient

Location: Hutt 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 

Salary: Step or $77,087 - $110,210

We are seeking an energetic and dedicated Social Worker to join our inpatient team at Hutt Hospital. This position is designed for a versatile practitioner who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to being an integral part of our hospital-wide response.

The role involves undertaking comprehensive assessments and developing intervention plans that support the recovery and wellbeing of our whai ora (patients). While you may have a designated clinical area to build specialized knowledge, our expertise is a shared hospital resource. We operate as a unified service, ensuring our support is always directed where it is most needed as clinical demands change. We look for practitioners who are proactive and ready to pivot their support across various wards to ensure our community always receives timely, high-quality, and equitable care. This collaborative approach ensures that no two days are the same, offering a diverse and engaging clinical practice.

About the Team 

Our inpatient team supports a wide array of clinical services at Hutt Hospital. We are a group of professionals focused on fostering a vibrant, "all hands on deck" environment where everyone pulls their weight and genuinely helps each other out.

As a service, we are committed to upholding high moral and professional standards, with a collective aim to achieve clinical best practice and trauma-informed care in everything we do. We believe that the best work happens in a team that can have fun and enjoy the journey together. We deeply value Manaakitanga (respect and caring) and Kotahitanga (unity and equity), ensuring that as we grow, every member of our workforce feels motivated, valued, and truly part of a unified team.

About you 

• Professional Foundation: You are a Registered Social Worker with a current Annual Practising Certificate and a deep commitment to the ethics and standards of our profession.
• Best-Practice Champion: You don’t just "do the mahi"; you strive for excellence. You use rigorous logic and analysis to find effective solutions and take pride in delivering the highest quality care for our whai ora.
• The "Mahi Tahi" Mindset: You are a proactive team player who naturally steps in to help a colleague. You believe in a culture where everyone contributes equally and you’re motivated by the success of the whole team.
• Relational Strength & Spirit: You possess interpersonal savvy and a positive energy. You relate well to all kinds of people, using diplomacy to build constructive relationships and a sense of humour to keep the environment engaging.
• Adaptable & Proactive: You enjoy the variety of an acute hospital environment and are committed to working across any inpatient ward to support the team in meeting evolving patient needs.
• Cultural Competence: You have a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and a drive to achieve equitable health outcomes for Māori.

What you will bring 

• A New Zealand recognised Social Work qualification with SWRB registration.
• Prior clinical experience in a healthcare or acute hospital setting is ideal, but we value the right attitude and a commitment to professional excellence.
• Strong communication, assessment, and conflict management skills.
• A reflective approach to practice and a drive to achieve equitable health outcomes for Māori.

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 Date. 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.

Position description Apply now

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