Social Worker- Early Supported Discharge Service

• Social Worker – Early Supported Discharge Service (Weekend role)
• Palmerston North Hospital
•  Permanent – Part time

Bring care beyond the hospital walls. Support recovery where it matters most — at home.

We're looking for a passionate and experienced Social Worker to join our innovative Early Supported Discharge (ESD) service as part of our weekend service extension. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of hospital and community care, supporting patients and their whānau to transition safely from hospital to home.

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 Service

The ESD service is a patient and whānau-centred model designed to support recovery in the comfort of home. Through a transdisciplinary approach, our team delivers short-term, intensive, home-based rehabilitation and support.

Working alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and other health professionals, you'll help deliver tailored care plans that focus on physical, cognitive, and social wellbeing, empowering people to regain independence and reduce hospital stays.

About the Role

As the weekend ESD Social Worker, you will support continuity of care across the weekend and facilitate safe, timely transitions from hospital to home. You will:

• Provide high-quality social work support to patients transitioning from inpatient services
• Work closely with whānau to build sustainable support systems at home
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across hospital and community settings
• Navigate complex health, social, and environmental factors impacting recovery
• Implementing short-term supports and practical solutions over the weekend (i.e, basic care arrangements, equipment coordination, and safety planning)
• Connect patients with community resources, disability supports, and services
• Contributing to the transdisciplinary team approach, ensuring social factors are integrated into overall care planning

This role is based in Palmerston North and works across the MidCentral region, including Horowhenua, Palmerston North/Manawatū, and Tararua.

About you

You'll be someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is committed to equitable, person-centred care.

Essential:

• A recognised Social Work qualification (Level 7)
• Registration with the Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and a current APC
• At least 2 years' experience, ideally within the health sector
• Strong communication, decision-making, and organisational skills
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of health conditions, community resources, and relevant legislation
• A commitment to cultural competence and whānau-centred practice
• Full NZ driver's licence

Desirable:

• Experience in hospital and/or community social work
• Knowledge of health and disability sector legislation
• ANZASW membership
• A proactive approach to service improvement and change 

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.