Senior Social Worker - Child Protection Unit, PCH
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
* Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments, taking into account social, emotional, and psychological well-being, physical safety, family dynamics and living conditions to determine the needs of each child
* Evaluate the level of risk faced by children and determine appropriate interventions to ensure their safety
* Provide counselling, advocacy, and support to families to access additional services
* Respond to acute crises and emergencies, offering immediate support and interventions as needed
* Advocate for the rights and needs of each child within the community and the healthcare system
* Offer education and training to families and staff on topics related to clinical practice
* Actively participate in clinical supervision
Qualifications and eligibility
The ideal candidate will be a compassionate listener with strong interpersonal and crisis intervention skills. Previous experience in child protection or a 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 contribute to 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 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, GP's, 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 at the bottom of this page. 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, on the contact details provided in the advert, with 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 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. The selection process may be used to fill similar vacancies for up to 12 months from date of endorsement. Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments may be made when similar vacancies occur, up to 30 June 2026.
About CAHS: The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) is the leading service provider for paediatric healthcare in Western Australia. CAHS comprises three service areas: Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) and Neonatology, Community Health, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). With over 7000 employees, services are delivered at PCH and King Edward Memorial Hospitals and across a network of over 160 community clinics. For more information about CAHS benefits and services, see the advert.
CAHS values: Compassion, Collaboration, Equity, Respect, Excellence and Accountability. The selection process may assess your ability to fulfil the responsibilities of this position in line with these values. If you have questions, contact the person named in the advert.
CAHS is committed to accessibility in the interview process. If you require reasonable adjustments, contact the CAHS Talent Acquisition Team prior to your interview.
Lodgement is system generated. Late or email applications cannot be considered.
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