Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until March 2027
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1
Remuneration: $74,317.94 – $138,482 per annum + Superannuation
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ634620
Application close date: Monday 2nd March 2026
Change lives through compassionate, recovery-focused mental health care.
About The Role
Working across Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, and the Upper Hunter, our service plays a vital role in supporting community mental health across the region. In this Social Worker Level 1 role, you'll be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team delivering meaningful psychosocial assessment, care coordination, and therapeutic interventions to consumers and their families and carers. You'll help strengthen continuity of care by connecting people with the right community supports at pivotal moments in their recovery. With strong leadership support, regular clinical supervision, and opportunities to collaborate on complex cases, you'll be encouraged to grow your skills while making a genuine difference every day.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver discipline-specific, consumer-centred interventions and care coordination
Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and contribute to care planning, implementation, and evaluation
Provide family-inclusive and recovery-oriented care in line with legislation, National Mental Health Standards, and professional frameworks
Advocate for the needs of consumers and their families/carers
Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, GPs, CMOs, and community stakeholders
Maintain accurate clinical documentation in accordance with MH-OAT and NSW Health requirements
Participate in quality improvement activities, service development, audits, and research
Promote culturally respectful practice aligned with NSW Health values and Closing the Gap initiatives
Comply with NSW Health Work Health and Safety policies and procedures
About You
You are a compassionate and capable clinician with a strong commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive, and evidence-based mental health practice. You bring strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic clinical environment.
Essential Requirements
Must hold as a minimum a bachelor degree in social work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer
Knowledge of mental illness, assessment, and care planning, including the NSW Mental Health Act 2007
Demonstrated commitment to consumer- and carer-focused, collaborative practice
Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness to travel as required
Benefits
Hunter New England Local Health District is a recognised leader in the healthcare industry and offers excellent opportunities for career development, learning, and professional growth. As the largest employer in the region, HNELHD provides access to a wide range of benefits, including:
Four weeks annual leave
Superannuation contributions
Salary packaging options
Fitness Passport for health and wellbeing
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
Opportunities to collaborate with a broad range of clinical and non-clinical professionals
A values-driven workplace guided by Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment
Need More Information?
Click here to view the Position Description
Find out more about applying for this position For role-related queries, please contact Renae Blanch on
Additional Information
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies. .
To be eligible for permanent employment in this position, you must be an Australian Citizen, a Permanent Resident of Australia, or a New Zealand Citizen with a current New Zealand passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur where no suitable local candidate is identified and will be offered strictly in line with the conditions and expiry date of the visa. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit:
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD- for confidential support.
To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa. We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.