Social Worker - Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

He Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the Role

We are seeking a registered Social Worker to join our supportive team in the Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Whakatāne Hospital in our mahi of supporting Tangata Whaiora and their whānau in their journey to wellness.

The successful applicant will be part of a multi-disciplinary team and play a key role in ensuring that inpatient care addresses the psychosocial needs of Tangata Whaiora, and that people have access to the community resources they need to support their effective and safe discharge planning. 

Day-to-day the role will require you to complete psychosocial assessments, provide support and education, encourage whānau inclusion in care, and advocate and brokerage for services to support Tangata Whaiora wellbeing.

As this is a newly established position, the Social Worker will be able to further develop the role and will be able to rely on the support of the Clinical Nurse Manager, Allied Health Lead, Social Work Professional Advisor, and wider allied health workforce to achieve this. 

He Kōrero mōu – About You

Ideally you will be an experienced mental health Social Worker who has a passion for working collaboratively with a wide range of people and services.  Previous experience in discharge planning, coordinating services and leading multi-agency responses for vulnerable populations will be an advantage.

Hauora ā Toi is committed to the aspirations of Te Toi Ahorangi, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural practice, and practitioners who are speakers of Te Reo and have a sound knowledge of Mātauranga Māori are encouraged to apply.

Our preferred candidate will be someone who can readily establish effective relationships, and able to draw on these strengths to work in partnership with service users and whānau, colleagues, and a wide range of community services.  A good knowledge of the local networks and strong community links will also be an asset.

It's important to us that we work in a positive team culture, and we welcome creativity, being open to a challenge and thinking outside the box.  We value how we care for each other, and make sure that we make space for celebrations and fun.  

Mō Tātou – About Us

Situated in the sunny eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, the Bay of Plenty really is just that, offering vast golden sand beaches, bush clad mountains, lush farmlands and more. Its pleasant climate means that the area has become a favourite for holiday makers, retirees and those looking for a different lifestyle outside of the main cities.

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Hauora ā Toi Bay of Plenty is spread across a vast geographical area and centred across two hospitals based in Tauranga and Whakatāne.  We serve a population of approximately 259,000 for the major population centres of Tauranga, Katikati, Te Puke, Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki.  Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty is one of the Bay of Plenty's largest employers with over 4000 staff.

Ko o tatou painga – Our Benefits 

• In-house career development
• Support to attend professional and postgraduate training
• Relocation assistance available 
• Flexible working practices (e.g., we support work life balance and flexible work arrangements whenever possible)
• Highly rewarding role and opportunity to make a difference!
• Be a valued member of a multidisciplinary team
• Subsidised onsite hospital gym membership 
• Free flu vaccinations
• Free onsite parking 
• Discounts (with local businesses)

Ngā uarātanga ō ā mātou mahi – Our Values

At Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty we recruit for our Manaakitanga CARE values. Why do we do this? Because values-based teams deliver better care.

Our manaakitanga CARE values (Compassion, All-one-team, Responsive and Excellence) support each of us to make a difference every day in the things we do and say. Therefore, it's important that when recruiting, we recruit new colleagues who live by our CARE values.

Te Whatu Ora Hauora ā Toi Bay of Plenty are committed to improving Māori health outcomes and achieving health equity for Māori through Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. It is essential you demonstrate an awareness of Māori indigenous rights and current issues in relation to health and health equity.

Me pēhea te tuku tono – How to Apply

You can view the position description below and to apply for the role please click “APPLY NOW.” For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online career's portal. If this sounds like you, or you would like further information please contact Andrew Neas - Team Leader Needs Assessment & Service Coordination on (07) 579 8889.

It is desirable that new employees of Te Whatu Ora are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes two doses of an approved vaccine. If you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster for any reason, please indicate this in your application so we can discuss this with you further.