Community Health Social Workers provide assistance to individuals and families with health-related personal, emotional and social issues.

This service is available to adults, 18 years and over, with a long term physical illness or disability; a terminal illness or diagnosis of cancer; or who require short term support and assistance related to a recent health issue or diagnosis. This excludes referrals which are specifically related to Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug issues. To read more about ‘Needs Assessment’ for people 65 years and over with long term disabilities, please refer to Needs Assessment & Service Co-ordination by clicking here.

Services offered:

• Counselling in the areas of decision making, grief and loss, relationships, problem solving and adjustment to change.
• Support and information for caregivers.
• Assistance to address issues of neglect or abuse.
• Information and support regarding financial and accommodation issues.
• Liaison and advocacy with other health professionals, community groups, Work & Income (WINZ), and Housing New Zealand.
• Referral to other appropriate services.

What to expect

Community Health Social Workers are trained and skilled at assisting individuals and families to deal with a range of problems and issues which may be affecting their health and wellbeing.

We can support you to identify your needs, to set goals and put you in touch with the available resources and services which may help you to achieve your goals. Our interventions will be short term and goal directed. All Social Workers are registered under the Social Workers Registration Act 2003.

How to access the service

Referrals are accepted from GPs, other health professionals and self-referrals. All referrals are prioritised on the basis of urgency. On receipt of the referral you will be contacted by phone or letter to let you know when to expect an appointment. Following this, a staff member will phone you to make the initial appointment to visit you in your home. You may find it helpful to have a family member or support person with you during an appointment. On the first visit the Social Worker will talk with you in order to ascertain the nature and extent of your issues or concerns and the services we offer which will best meet your needs. With your agreement we will develop a plan for follow up services which may include support, counselling, advocacy, mediation, information, and liaison with other social service agencies.

This service accepts referrals for: adults, 18 years and over, with a long term physical illness or disability; a terminal illness or diagnosis of cancer; or who require short term support and assistance related to a recent health issue or diagnosis.

This excludes referrals which are specifically related to Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug issues, which should be sent to the relevant specialist services.

For a ‘needs assessment’ for people 65 years and over with long term disabilities, please refer to Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination by clicking here.

All received referrals are prioritised on the basis of urgency. On receipt of the referral we will contact the patient by phone or letter to let them know when to expect an appointment.

Contact Details

Adult Community Service Referrals Office: 0800 631 1234

Referrals can be sent by appropriate health professionals through the e-Referral system.

FAQs

How long will it take to see a Social Worker?

Social Workers are allocated files on a priority basis. Whilst you may feel that your case is urgent, this may not be as urgent as other referrals received. As a general rule most new cases are seen for the First Specialist Assessment within a 2-4 week period.

Will I be able to choose my Social Worker?

No, Social Workers are allocated cases within specific localities and do not generally move between set geographical boundaries. Special needs are considered on a case by case basis by the Practice Supervisor.