Social Worker - Hoki Ki Te Kainga

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

As a Registered Social Worker in the Hoki ki te Kāinga team, you’ll provide safe, culturally responsive social work services to patients and their whānau across acute inpatient settings. You’ll deliver comprehensive assessments, interventions, and discharge planning, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to support tangata whaiora in their transition back to the community.

This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to equity‑focused care, support whānau wellbeing, and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everyday practice. The role is based in Napier and Hastings, with occasional travel to CHB and Wairoa.

About the Team / Service / Location

Hoki ki te Kāinga is a community‑focused service within Te Whatu Ora – Te Matau a Māui Hawkes Bay, supporting safe and supported transitions from hospital to home. The team works collaboratively across services and regions to ensure holistic, whānau‑centred care.

Hawke’s Bay offers excellent work‑life balance, sun, beaches, exceptional outdoor adventures, great schools, mountains and skiing close by, wonderful food and stunning wineries, vibrant cities and plenty more to boast about. Explore more about Hawke’s Bay.

About You

As a Social Worker, you will bring :

• A Bachelor of Social Work (or higher) recognised by the NZ Social Work Registration Board.
• Current registration and Annual Practising Certificate.
• 25 years of clinical experience in acute or community settings.
• Strong communication, assessment, and advocacy skills.
• A full NZ driver’s licence and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity.

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 review the position profile, please visit our careers portal. To apply, click the apply button in the portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Dawn Tyler via email at We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.

Job Details

Job Reference : HAW09122

Location : North Island – Hawkes Bay – Hastings

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