CRVCID. 687139
Provide trauma-informed care and manage complex cases with expertise and sensitivity.
This is a Recruitment Pool for Fixed Term Part Time appointment(s) with the possibility of extension and/or permanency.
We currently have a 0.6 fixed term 12 month position.
Position Profile
We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Senior Social Worker for our AMBER Therapy Service (Attachment, Mind, Body, Emotion, Reconnection).
You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a co-therapy model to provide assessments and trauma informed therapy to children who have been, abused or neglected, and their families. The scope of your work will include both immediate support and crisis interventions and managing a caseload for in-depth, long-term therapeutic work with families. You will utilise your clinical experience and knowledge of abuse dynamics, attachment theory and the neurobiological impact of trauma, to inform individualised therapeutic plans and interventions. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families by helping them to reduce trauma symptoms and achieve an embodied sense of safety - guiding them towards recovery.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide specialist trauma informed interventions to children who have experienced child abuse or neglect and their families.
* Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments, considering factors such as their social, emotional, and psychological well-being, physical safety, family dynamic and living conditions to determine the unique needs of each child and family.
* Collaborate with a team member (clinical psychologists/social worker) to provide co-therapy, assessments and intervention plans that address the dynamics and impacts of childhood abuse and neglect, focusing on both parent and child.
* Manage interagency meetings and care teams to work towards collaboration and ensure the rights and needs of each child are prioritized within the community and health care system.
* Participate in regular individual and team supervision, to ensure the provision of high-quality care and your own continuous professional development.
* Provide education and training to staff and other professionals on relevant topics.
Whilst the ideal candidate will bring considerable experience in working in the area of child abuse and neglect they need to have a willingness to learn and be trained in all aspects of the models used by the AMBER service including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and NMT (Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics), attachment theories and trauma-informed care practices.
Please note 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
* This is an exceptional opportunity to work in a co-therapy model, where you will experience the reward of providing interventions with children and their families that address what is underlying symptoms and that goes beyond symptom management.
* You will have the support of regular individual and team supervision.
* We offer internal professional development and training opportunities in; The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics(NMT), attachment and trauma focussed interventions in a supportive and collaborative work environment.
About Our Department
Based at Perth Children's Hospital, our dedicated Child Protection Unit (CPU) provide comprehensive state-wide service for children aged 0-16 where concerns of abuse or neglect have been reported. Our team are recognised for the complexity of our work and the highly developed skillset required. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care to children and families, helping them heal and return to a healthy developmental trajectory. We receive referrals from within PCH as well as from external sources including directly from families, other hospitals, GP's, Community Health, the Police and Department of Communities.
How To Apply
Applicants are requested to apply online ( Please note, applicants must have a current, valid email address in order to apply online. This email address will be used for communication with applicants. 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.
These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete the online application process as you will be required to answer various questions and attach your documentation.
Selection Criteria: Please see the attached Job Description Form.
Role related questions: We encourage you to contact Elizabeth Sorensen - Head of Department, Child Protection Unit on elizabeth.sorensen@health.wa.gov.au or 08 6456 4300 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: To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have a valid working visa (for fixed term appointments) or be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have a visa to live and work indefinitely in Australia (for permanent appointments).
This position is subject to a Western Australian Working with Children (WWC) Check. For further information please refer to the WWC website at:
Other Conditions: WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake a criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. As well as undertaking a criminal record screening and integrity checking, you may also be required to undertake a working with children check (if required for the role) and a pre-employment health assessment. We may ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. Please note that adverse information does not necessarily disqualify an applicant but will be considered as part of the appointment process.
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.
In addition, we are committed to growing our Aboriginal workforce as part of WA Health Aboriginal Workforce Policy. As a measure to achieve equality, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments may be made when similar vacancies occur. Appointments may be made from this pool until 09 November 2026.
About CAHS
The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) is proud to be the leading service provider for paediatric healthcare in Western Australia, as the State’s only dedicated health service for infants, children and young people. CAHS comprises four service areas: Neonatology, Community Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH).
With over 6500 employees, our services are delivered at PCH and King Edward Memorial Hospitals (KEMH), as well as across a network of more than 160 community clinics across the Perth metropolitan area.
For further information about the benefits of working for CAHS, please click here and for further information regarding CAHS’ services, please click here
CAHS values: To achieve our vision of healthy kids, healthy communities, CAHS is committed to providing a workplace culture that is driven and shaped by our values of Compassion, Collaboration, Equity, Respect, Excellence and Accountability. During the selection process you may be assessed on your ability to fulfil the responsibilities of this position in accordance with the values. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the person named in this advert.
For Assistance including any adjustment needed to accommodate a disability and confidential enquiries – please contact the Strategic Talent Acquisition Recruitment Team (START) service via email: CAHS.TalentAcquisition@health.wa.gov.au
Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on, or after, 4:00pm on the closing date will not be accepted.
LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.