Social Worker Specialist Primary Mental Health and Addictions at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Registered Social Worker

Specialist Primary Mental Health and Addiction Service

Palmerston North Hospital

Permanent Part time

About the Role

Uru Rauhī, Mental Health and Addiction Services at Te Whatu Ora MidCentral has an exciting opportunity for 
experienced and enthusiastic Social Worker to join our Specialist Primary Mental Health and Addiction Service.
Mental Health and Addiction services are moving towards a wellness and recovery-focused approach that encourages 
interconnectedness socially, spiritually, physically, and environmentally and encompasses the aspirations to achieve 
‘WAIORA' flourishing individuals, whānau, and communities.
Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all 
employees. We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our 
commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
MidCentral region offers an excellent lifestyle for families with scenic spots for hiking and mountain-biking, great 
schools and tertiary institutions. With the mountains, city and sea at your doorstep, you'll get to taste the best of both 
worlds – the perfect blend of rural and city living.

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, 
vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to 
live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey 
University and the International Pacific College.
Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with 
fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. With no traffic and a short commute to work, achieving true work-life 
balance is the everyday reality.
Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or 
catching a short flight.
For more information on living and working in the Manawatu click here

About you

We are looking for a social worker who is:

• Passionate about their communities in which they work. 

• Excited by change. 

• Flexible and committed to a team of team's approach to working.

• Creative and curious and have a ‘do what it takes' attitude.

 
• Open to opportunities to learn new skills as the service develops.

The successful candidates will:

• Be a social worker who role models strengths in both influencing and relationship building in a way that 
encourages strength, diversity and kotahitanga (unity).

• Be experienced in mental health and/or addiction who can demonstrate an understanding of delivering a person 
and whānau first service delivery model with equity at the forefront.

• Enhance Maori, community partners and network relationships along with excellent clinical knowledge and 
attributes to facilitate the development of whānau ora. 

• Have excellent communication skills, including the ability to develop, maintain and enhance their relationships 
with stakeholders.

• Have experience in or willing to develop skills in developing and facilitating brief intervention groups.

• Have experience in or willing to develop skills to lead/co lead strategic portfolios streams as required.

• Have experience or willing to develop skills in clinical supervision and/or coaching and fosters creativity of
team members.

The successful candidate will be offered the ability to contribute to the vision of providing Te Mātāpuna o te Ora –
connected care for Mental Health and Addiction Services for whānau to ensure flourishing resilient hapori/communities
and access to talking therapies training.

The Social Worker will report to the Service Manager Mental Health and Addiction Service Manager.
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 the 
advertised date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Heidi Graham, Service Manager Specialist 
Primary Mental Health and Addiction Service,  Heidi.Graham@midcentraldhb.govt.nz
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