Senior Social Worker - Child Protection Unit, PCH
Child and Adolescent Health Service - Perth Children's Hospital – Nedlands WA
Salary: $122,597 - $130,265 a year
Employment: Full time, Permanent
10d ago, from Western Australia Department of Health
Provide trauma-informed service to children and young people in our care. This is a Recruitment Pool for Permanent Full Time, Permanent Part Time, Fixed Term Full Time and Fixed Term Part Time appointments, with the possibility of extension(s) and/or permanency. We currently have 1 full time, fixed term (6 month) position available with possibility of extension and permanency.
Vacancy Reference No. 718978
Position Profile
As a Senior Social Worker within our team you will work closely with medical teams and other healthcare professionals and be responsible for providing support to both inpatients and outpatients, completing psychosocial and risk assessments and crisis intervention for children and young people who have experienced or are at risk of harm. You will apply knowledge drawn from experience in a clinical setting to understand the emotional, social, and psychological needs of our young patients and their families and advocate for the child's best interests, prioritising interventions in their safety and well-being, and ensuring their voice is heard in decision-making processes. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our trauma-informed service, with a shared commitment to creating safety for children and reducing the risk of future harm. Key responsibilities of the role include:
* Conducting comprehensive screenings and assessments, taking into account factors such as social, emotional, and psychological well-being, physical safety, family dynamics and living conditions to determine the unique needs of each child
* Evaluating the level of risk faced by children and determining appropriate interventions to ensure their safety
* Providing counselling, advocacy, and support to families to access additional support services
* Responding to acute crises and emergencies, offering immediate support and interventions as needed
* Advocating for the rights and needs of each child within the community and the healthcare system
* Offering education and training to families and staff on a range of topics related to clinical practice
* Actively participating in clinical supervision
The ideal candidate will be a compassionate listener, with strong interpersonal and crisis intervention skills. Previous experience in child protection or related field is essential. A tertiary qualification in Social Work and eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is a requirement for this role.
Why join us
We are a close-knit team who collaborate and support each other in the complex and challenging work that we do. Be part of a team dedicated to providing a trauma-informed service. Your work will directly contribute to the shared goal of creating safety for children and preventing future harm.
About our Department
Based at Perth Children's Hospital (PCH), our dedicated Child Protection Unit (CPU) provides a comprehensive state-wide service for children aged 0-16 where concerns of abuse or neglect have been reported. Our team is recognised for the complexity of our work and the highly developed skillset required. We receive referrals from within PCH as well as from external sources including other hospitals, GPs, Community Health, the Police and Department of Communities. Working closely with CPU medical and therapy teams we conduct thorough assessments, evaluations, and interventions to ensure the safety of each child and connect children and their families with ongoing support through referral to other services and community-based resources.
How to apply
We welcome your application via the Apply for Job button. Your application should contain the following:
* A statement addressing the selection criteria in 2–3 pages maximum
* A copy of your current CV outlining your most recent and relevant work experience
* The name, email and contact details of two referees who can be contacted to provide a confidential report (we will contact you and seek your confirmation prior to contacting your listed referees)
* Evidence of a tertiary qualification in Social Work and eligible for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers or the Society of Professional Social Workers OR evidence from the AASW of assessment of an overseas social work qualification and AASW membership eligibility
Selection Criteria: Please see the attached Job Description Form.
Role related questions: We encourage you to contact Emma Wood, Team Leader, at health.wa.gov.au for any specific questions related to this role.
Help in submitting your application: If you experience technical difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.
Eligibility: Australian citizenship or permanent residency is an essential requirement for applicants to be considered for permanent positions in the public sector. Fixed term and/or casual contracts can be held by individuals on visas that allow working rights within Australia.
Other Conditions: WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. Referees may also be asked to comment on an applicant's integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. WA Health is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service. We embrace diversity and strongly encourage applications from people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to growing our Aboriginal workforce as part of WA Health Aboriginal Workforce Policy. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. This selection process may be used to fill other similar vacancies for up to 12 months. Appointments may be made from this pool until 30 June 2026.
About CAHS: The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) is the leading paediatric healthcare provider in Western Australia and the state's only dedicated health service for infants, children, and young people. CAHS comprises Perth Children's Hospital (PCH), Neonatology, Community Health, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). With over 7,000 employees, services are delivered at PCH, King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH), and across a network of more than 160 community clinics.
CAHS values: Compassion, Collaboration, Equity, Respect, Excellence and Accountability. The selection process may assess your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of this position in accordance with these values. For questions about this, please contact the person named in this advert.
CAHS is committed to accessibility in the interview process. Reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate a disability. Please contact the CAHS Talent Acquisition Team prior to your interview.
Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions after 4:00pm on the closing date will not be accepted. LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.
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