Overview
Social Worker Violence, Abuse and Neglect Level 3
Employer: NSW Health Muswellbrook, Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time • Hours Per Week: 38 • Remuneration: $56.68 - $58.52 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging • Requisition ID: REQ
Location: Muswellbrook Community Health Service • Applications Close: Monday 13th October 2025
What You’ll Be Doing
The VAN Social Worker (SW) role covers the Hunter Valley area, including Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone, and surrounding remote communities. This diverse and highly respected position involves direct clinical work with clients, as well as providing consultation, education, collaboration, and support to the social work team, multidisciplinary teams, health services, interagency partners, and other key stakeholders. The role is responsible for delivering key training and education to staff and representing the Hunter Valley in relevant networks and meetings. Key tasks include representing the Hunter Valley Social Work service in networks and meetings (e.g., SAM, Safe Start, VAN clinical leads forums) and actively participating in collaborative MDT services across the Hunter Valley district. Direct clinical social work interventions for VAN presentations will be provided in the Hospital and Emergency Departments at Scone, Muswellbrook, and Singleton Hospitals as required. Muswellbrook and Quirindi Hospitals have access to a pilot After Hours VAN Telehealth Crisis service to support Emergency Departments for VAN presentations, including sexual assault and domestic violence. You will report to the Social Work Head of Discipline based at Muswellbrook, with support from the VAN Integration Coordinator and VAN Professional Lead. Training opportunities include SAM, Safe Start, DFV, child protection, DVRS, and access to education through MHL, ECAV, and the VAN stream. The service is staffed by senior Social Workers on a tiered roster system, with opportunities to participate in rostered shifts.
About You
• Work collaboratively with Violence, Abuse, and Neglect (VAN) clinicians and local psychosocial health staff to support children, young people, and adults presenting with suspected or confirmed physical and psychological harm, neglect, or exposure to domestic or family violence.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in psychosocial assessment, trauma-informed response, and intervention; act as a consultant within the Hunter Valley sector and contribute to case planning and service referrals.
• Assist in delivering child protection and domestic violence screening training to health staff and support staff to meet mandatory reporting requirements under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act NSW 1998.
• Support managers at Safety Action Meetings under the NSW Safer Pathway initiative by providing consultation on domestic and family violence and attend local Sector Safe Start Meetings.
• Demonstrate cultural competence in serving Aboriginal children, young people, and families, aligned with HNE Health’s Closing the Gap strategy, through ongoing training with Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers.
• Participate in the After Hours VAN Telehealth Crisis Service across Muswellbrook and Quirindi Hospitals, coordinating forensic, medical, and psychosocial responses to VAN presentations including sexual assault and domestic violence.
• Model workplace behaviours consistent with HNE Health Values and NSW Health Code of Conduct, promoting cultural respect and excellence in care.
Requirements
- Relevant qualifications and experience per Award Classification, including or equivalent with a Bachelor degree in Social Work and eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and/or other relevant qualifications as deemed by the employer.
What We Can Offer You
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full time employees)
- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
- Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) – supporting work-life balance
- Salary packaging options – up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
- Fitness Passport for health and well-being – discounted gym options
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
- Opportunity to work with non-clinical and clinical professionals
Additional Information
- An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part-time and temporary vacancies.
- This position is full-time; however, part-time/job-share arrangements may be considered.
- To be eligible for permanent employment you must be an Australian Citizen, permanent resident, or NZ citizen with current NZ Passport; visa sponsorship is not available.
- Hunter New England Health is committed to a child-safe environment and the safety of children and young people; all staff must prioritise safety, welfare, and well-being.
Need more information?
- Click here for the Position Description
- Find out more about applying for this position
For role-related queries, contact Amanda Ing at
Information For Applicants Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description. For assistance addressing selection criteria visit:
This is an inclusive employer; we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply. Contact for confidential support.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
📌 Social Worker Violence, Abuse and Neglect Level 3
🏢 NSW Health
📍 Muswellbrook Shire Council