Social Worker at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Southern, Otago

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Wakari Hospital, Dunedin
• 0.6 FTE in ward 9B (3 days per week) permanent opportunity
• 0.2 FTE in ward 11 (1 day per week) permanent opportunity

About the role

Join our team as a Social Worker, permanent part-time

Step into a vital role on Ward 9B, a 15-bed acute/intensive mental health unit at Wakari Hospital, where you have the opportunity to work alongside a skilful team adept at treating and managing acute challenging presentations . Team 9B takes pride in the collegiality and have made strides in patient centred care with least restrictive practices. Join our team and be a part of positively influencing the tangata whaiora we deeply care about.

As part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team, you'll work independently while being fully supported by dedicated mental health professionals. Your calm presence under pressure, quick thinking, and excellent communication skills will be key as you navigate challenging situations.

Ward 11 is a 10 bed sub acute rehabilitation unit providing a safe, supportive environment for tangata whaiora requiring stabilisation or rehabilitation after an acute mental health episode. The team is multidisciplinary and is committed to ensuring positive relationships with the person, their family and the providers, supporting a successful return to community living. A model of care based on a strengths-based approach is followed to provide person centred care.

You would be welcomed to the Ward 11 multi-disciplinary team to work independently while being supported within the team. Your working knowledge of community services and excellent communication skills will be valued as the services strives to provide quality person centred care.

See position description here:

About you

• Strong written and oral communication
• Skilled needs assessment, advocacy, networking, and critical thinking
• A passion for empowering patients and their family/whānau to reach their goals

While mental health experience is preferred, we welcome registered Social Workers ready to grow in this specialized setting. You must hold a current Social Work Registration Board practicing certificate and a full driver's license.

If you're looking for the perfect balance of meaningful Social Work, professional support, and time for what you love in life, Ward 9B could be the place for you.

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 Sunday, 30 November 2025 . If you have any questions about the role, please contact: james.boyd@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

We only accept online applications. Please apply via our website