Needs Assessor / Service Coordinator

This role offers the chance to truly make a difference—supporting people to connect with the services and care they need to live well, maintain independence, and thrive in their everyday lives.

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 Role

Supportlinks is the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) service for the Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral district. We connect people to the support and services they need to live well and independently — whether they're experiencing acute or short-term needs, living with long-term health conditions, or are older people / kaumātua with age‑related health conditions.

As part of the OPAL Community Services team, you'll work across the MidCentral District alongside a dedicated and supportive transdisciplinary team — including geriatricians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, Māori connectors, and allied health assistants. Together, you'll make a genuine difference in the lives of those we serve.

We're offering a permanent part‑time role based in Palmerston North for someone who is enthusiastic, energetic, resilient, and has a strong “can‑do” attitude.

If you hold a current Annual Practising Certificate in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, or Social Work, this is your chance to join a supportive, values‑driven team and make a real difference every day.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings both heart and skill to their work — someone who is passionate about supporting people and whānau to achieve their goals. You'll also have :

• The ability to thrive in a changing health environment
• A mana‑enhancing and restorative approach to your practice
• Experience working in a transdisciplinary team, drawing on your unique professional strengths
• Strong connections and understanding of local iwi and Māori providers
• Knowledge of community resources and networks across the MidCentral district
• Confidence with technology, including using a laptop and learning new assessment software
• A genuine desire to help clients and whānau reach positive outcomes
• The ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organisational and time‑management abilities
• A full, current driver's licence

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 helps 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. We are actively encouraging a work‑life balance and appreciate that flexibility can be important, so we are open to discussing 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. Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position. We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date.

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