Kaimahi Toko I Te Ora - Social Worker at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Kaimahi Toko I te Ora – Social worker
• Pae Ora Paiaka Whaiora – Māori health Directorate
• Permanent – Full time

“Supporting whānau through every step—because care is more than clinical.”

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of whānau-centred care, supporting equitable health outcomes and embedding Whānau Ora practice across hospital services. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring a holistic approach is consistently applied to the care of whānau, particularly those requiring social work intervention and support.

In this dynamic and rewarding position, you will facilitate Whānau Ora practice across wards and service areas, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as Critical Care (ICU, ED). You will act as a key conduit between clinical teams and whānau, ensuring care is culturally responsive, coordinated, and centred on wellbeing.

Working in partnership with the Pae Ora Whānau Care team, including nurses, facilitators, and other health professionals, you will provide expert clinical practice and strengthen whānau engagement. Your mahi will support whānau navigating complex health journeys and contribute to improving overall health outcomes.

About you

What you'll bring

• Strong commitment to Whānau Ora and equitable health outcomes
• Experience in clinical practice within health or social work settings
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with whānau and multidisciplinary teams
• Cultural competence and confidence working in kaupapa Māori environments
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach

About the Location

Manawatū is known for its effortless blend of city and rural living; here you can choose your ideal lifestyle, from peaceful rural villages, to bustling townships, or city life.  It's a family-friendly place that's easy to live and work, with easy access to an array of outdoor activities – beaches, ski fields, lakes, mountains, as well as fantastic mountain biking and hiking tracks. No traffic and an easy commute to work, really help a with true work-life balance. Our fantastic central location means exploring other parts of New Zealand is easy as a drive or a short flight. We are well served with excellent schooling options, as well as two tertiary institutes – Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Discover more hidden gems that Manawatū and Palmerston North have to offer here: Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business (manawatunz.co.nz).  Check out our careers site here for more information about Palmerston North hospital.

We actively encourage a life work balance and appreciate flexibility can be important, so we are open to discuss options! 

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. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tara Penketh, Recruitment Advisor (Allied Health) at Tara.Penketh@tewhatuora.govt.nz>

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible so may withdraw the advert if the perfect candidate is found before the expiry date.  We strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We aim to develop a diverse team that reflects the communities that we serve, and we welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs. MidCentral actively seeks Māori into our workforce to reflect the community we serve. Some positions are defined as a Core Children's worker under the Children's Act and require full safety checks completed before employment commences.