Social work
Social work services
A social worker helps people make decisions when they have problems with ill-health, injury, disability or stress.
This free service for New Zealand residents may include:
- helping you decide what services or other support you may need
- advising on eligibility and funding assistance to obtain those services
- help organising services into a flexible care package
- provide you and your family with a supportive, understanding and confidential relationship for you to discuss any personal matters that may concern you.
How our social workers can help
- Counseling and support for personal, family, adjustment, loss and other health-related issues
- Planning for coming home from hospital
- Information on health and community services
- Crisis intervention
- Referral to other support agencies
- Privately funded convalescent care
- Transport for people with health problems
- Legal services
- Home help
- Funding for gardening assistance/meal preparation/medical expenses
- Private nursing
- Additional financial services including access and advocacy for Work & Income NZ assistance
The social worker who is helping you will make every effort to ensure:
- that your confidentiality is respected and your right to privacy is protected
- that the service you receive will be sensitive and appropriate to your personal and cultural beliefs and values
- that you receive all the information you require to make informed decisions on your care needs
- that, to the greatest extent possible, you will be consulted and involved in all decision-making that affects you
- that your needs will be given a high priority and that you will receive the highest standard of service that the social worker can provide
- That social work files are confidential and kept securely within the department. If you wish to have access to your personal information, please discuss this with your social worker.