Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is looking for a social worker to join the team at Christchurch’s Burwood Hospital, with the role initially based within its specialised spinal and surgical wards.
The permanent position is for 32 hours a week, worked between Monday and Friday, and will focus on the area of Older Persons Health and Rehabilitation. While the initial placement is in the spinal and surgical unit, the successful applicant will be expected to work across all areas of the service in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
The recruitment drive comes as the health system continues to adapt to the needs of a growing and ageing population in the Canterbury region. Burwood Hospital is a key facility for rehabilitation and elective surgeries, meaning social workers play a vital part in a patient's recovery and transition back into the community. For instance, Touro University sends 400 new graduates into health care</a>, bolstering the workforce.
New social work role at Burwood Hospital
The role involves providing crucial Social Work services within the Older Persons Health and Rehabilitation departments. The primary functions include engaging with patients and their whānau to carry out detailed biopsychosocial assessments and subsequently developing care plans tailored to their specific needs.
A key aspect of the job is providing emotional, practical, and informational support. This includes advocating for patients and connecting them with essential community services to ensure a smooth transition from hospital care. According to the job description, the role will respond to health and disability needs that affect the wellbeing of an individual and their family.
Effective communication is highlighted as a critical skill, as the social worker will need to collaborate with patients, their families, and multidisciplinary medical teams to facilitate shared decision-making. The position also requires strong digital literacy for maintaining accurate, timely, and confidential patient records on digital systems.
Focus on rehabilitation and older persons health
Burwood Hospital is a cornerstone of Canterbury's health infrastructure, specialising in services that are increasingly in demand. The hospital is the main centre for orthopaedic and spinal surgery, rehabilitation, and older persons' health in the region. The work done here is often life-changing for patients, particularly those recovering from serious injuries or major surgery.
For patients in the spinal unit, a social worker is an essential part of the support system. A spinal cord injury can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person's life, from mobility and employment to housing and relationships. Social workers help patients and their families navigate these complex challenges, coordinating access to funding, home modifications, and long-term support networks.
Similarly, in older persons' health, social workers are integral to discharge planning. They assess the patient's home situation, support systems, and eligibility for services to ensure they can return home safely or transition to a higher level of care if needed. This support is crucial for preventing hospital readmissions and promoting the long-term wellbeing of elderly patients. The demand for these services is growing, with Health NZ recently recruiting staff for a new winter hospital ward to cope with seasonal pressures.
Strong cultural and advocacy skills required
Health New Zealand is seeking a compassionate social worker with a keen interest in older persons' health and rehabilitation. Candidates must hold either full or provisional registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) and have a current Annual Practicing Certificate.
A significant emphasis is placed on cultural competency. Applicants are expected to have experience implementing the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in their practice. Knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori is listed as a key requirement, alongside a "commitment to continuing your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth."
The position also demands an ability to work well under pressure, manage stress, and respond effectively in crisis situations. As advocates for patients, exceptional relationship-building skills are considered essential for supporting vulnerable individuals and their whānau.
Part of a nationwide health system
The role is situated within the broader context of <a href="https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/about-us/">Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, the national entity established to create a more equitable and cohesive health system. The organisation states it is "firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi" and is committed to building a system that better serves all New Zealanders.
Health New Zealand says it embraces a diverse and inclusive workforce to better understand and serve the community, and welcomes applications from Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. This focus on equity aligns with the specific requirements of the Burwood Hospital role, where the social worker will be a key figure in addressing the holistic needs of patients from all backgrounds.
Interested parties are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as they are received. The official closing date for the position is 28 June.
