Senior Social Worker - Child Protection Unit, PCH
Child and Adolescent Health Service WA – Nedlands WA
Vacancy status: 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. Current listing notes 1 full time, fixed term (6 month) position with possibility of extension and permanency.
Vacancy Reference No. 718978
Position ProfileAs 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:
* Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments, considering social, emotional and psychological well-being, physical safety, family dynamics and living conditions to determine the unique 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 support 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 requirementsThe 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 usWe 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 DepartmentBased at Perth Children's Hospital (PCH), our dedicated Child Protection Unit (CPU) provides comprehensive statewide service for children aged 0–16 where concerns of abuse or neglect have been reported. We receive referrals from within PCH as well as from external sources including other hospitals, GPs, Community Health, the Police and the 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 referrals to other services and community-based resources.
How to applyWe 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 questionsWe 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 and conditionsAustralian 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. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. Referees may be asked to comment on an applicant's integrity and past demonstration of ethical behavior. WA Health is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination and to growing our Aboriginal workforce as part of the WA Health Aboriginal Workforce Policy. Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. The selection process may be used to fill other similar vacancies within the health service for up to 12 months from the date of endorsement. Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments may be made when similar vacancies occur, including after 30 June 2026.
About CAHSThe Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) is the leading paediatric healthcare provider in Western Australia, with multiple service areas including Perth Children's Hospital, Community Health and CAMHS. CAHS employs over 7,000 staff and delivers services across PCH, KEMH and more than 160 community clinics.
Benefits and additional informationFor further information about CAHS benefits and services, please refer to the official CAHS pages. CAHS values include Compassion, Collaboration, Equity, Respect, Excellence and Accountability. If you have questions, please contact the person named in this advert. CAHS supports accessibility in the interview process. Reasonable adjustments are available on request.
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.
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