Social Worker - Mental Health Service for Older Peopleat Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato -
About the RoleThis is a diverse and exciting role for a registered social worker to work alongside tāngata whaiora both in the inpatient unit and out in the community setting. In this role you will be focused on supporting our people with advocacy, interventions and improving wellbeing by resolving social issues impacting on this population.
You will be collaborating in an MDT environment, building partnerships with both colleagues across the teams and external stakeholders.This role will be 0.6 community based and 0.4 inpatient based (with some flexibility and autonomy in what this looks like).
Click here to view the position description. About the TeamMHSOP and OPR1 work in an integrated care model, with a focus on person centred care allowing older adults to age with dignity whilst promoting quality of life.OPR1 is a 15 bedded inpatient unit which supports people with mental health challenges, both functional and organic.
MHSOP covers the Waikato region, including the Coromandel, Thames, Hauraki, Matamata, Taumarunui, Morrinsville, Hamilton etc. though this role will be primarily based in Hamilton where the inpatient unit is. About HamiltonHamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture.
Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds.
Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.For more information on living and working in Waikato click here About youA passion for making a difference to the lives of our tangata whaiora and whanau.Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of working with the elderly and mental health.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment.Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growthExperience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.
Working at Health New ZealandHealth 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 ApplyTo apply please click Apply online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 1 June 2026.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Craig MacDonald at Craig.Macdonald@waikatodhb.health.nz or Alex Bull at Alexandra.Bull@waikatodhb.health.nzWe will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.