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 whanau 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 whanau-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 whanau 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/Manawatu, 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 whanau-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
Manawatu 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.
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 Manawatu and Palmerston North have to offer here: Manawatu 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 Maori, 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.