About the role

Join the Social Work and Counselling team at South West Healthcare (SWH) in the beautiful region of Warrnambool. As a Social Worker you will provide vital services to clients and their families coping with illness, trauma, grief and loss. In this role, you will provide clinical psychosocial assessments and targeted interventions including risk assessments, supportive counselling, adjustment to illness and complex discharge planning.

This role will work across the acute and subacute wards at Warrnambool Base Hospital with the opportunity to have a rotation into community programs as required. This opportunity allows for experience in a range of clinical areas that will form the foundation of your career.

Scope of Social Work practice includes:

• Assessments – psycho-social assessments, risk assessments around family violence, children at risk, elder abuse and exploitation.
• Counselling, mediation and therapeutic interventions including supporting patients and their families to adjust to diagnosis, trauma and emotional responses to illness and treatment.
• Support children who are experiencing chronic and/or severe medical conditions and help families understand their child's diagnosis and possible reaction
• Grief, loss and bereavement support
• Mediation and conflict resolution and advocating for individuals and their families/carers
• Complex Discharge Planning - Referrals and collaboration with internal and external services to meet patients and family's needs

Position overview

• Employment Type: Part-time (64 hours per fortnight), On-going position
• Location: Warrnambool Campus
• Classification: Social Worker Grade 1
• Salary Range: $69,206.80 - $84,188.00 pro rata, plus superannuation

What you bring

• An Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited bachelor's degree or entry level master's degree of Social Work that provides eligibility for membership of the AASW
• Excellent communication skills, exhibit ethical and professional responsibility, have a high level of clinical assessment and intervention skills preferably within the public health sector 
• Skills in psycho-social assessments, problem solving, communication as well as counselling interventions
• Candidates with experience in health sector preferred but not essential
• All candidates require Australian working rights
• Demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to Professional Development - education, quality improvement and evidence-based practices will be your key drivers
• Working with children's check
• Australian Drivers Licence

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Annual skills incentive bonus of up to $1000
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment
• Internal and external professional development opportunities
• Ongoing clinical supervision including group supervision and reflective practice
• Dedicated Allied Health Assistants for the Social Work and Counselling team
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs

Recent Feedback from a newly qualified Social Worker:

‘Completing my new graduate year at Southwest Healthcare, provided me with a diverse and well-rounded foundation in Social Work. I experienced rewarding learning opportunities that allowed me to explore specific interests. The Social Work team is incredibly supportive with highly educated practitioners, that encouraged my confidence and made me feel valued.'  Sarah L. April 2024

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community. Learn more about SWH here.

SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.

SWH is the major specialist referral centre for the Barwon South West sub-region, and provides a comprehensive range of acute, sub-acute, specialist, community, mental health and aged services.

With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/

How to apply

Submit your application by selecting the Apply button below and include a cover letter and resume by Sunday 30 March 2025. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

If you would like any further information or to discuss the role, please contact Natalie Jeremias – Social Work and Counselling Manager on njeremias@swh.net.au or 03 5563 4358.

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2026 with the classification Social Worker Grade 1.

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check
• Current Immunisation status

Note: If you experience any difficulties with this website, please email: humanresources@swh.net.au