Position overview

• Casual - covering staff leave on an as-need basis
• Social Worker Grade 2, in line with experience 
• Hourly rate: Grade 2 - $57.08 - $65.61 per hour including casual loading 

 About the role

We are looking for a Social Worker who is seeking an excellent work life balance in the beautiful region of Warrnambool. This relief position will cover staff leave on an as-needed basis. South West Healthcare's (SWH) Social Work and Counselling team provides Social Work services to clients (including outpatients, acute and subacute inpatients) and their families, to assist them to cope with the effects of illness, grief and loss, trauma and difficult life events.

You will be part of a friendly multi-disciplinary team and provide ongoing clinical assessments and targeted interventions including risk assessments, grief and loss counselling, adjustment to illness and coping skills, referrals and collaboration with internal and external services. You will be working with both children and adults depending on the identified need.

This role will work across the acute and subacute wards at Warrnambool Base Hospital.

Scope of Social Work practice includes:

• Assessments - psycho-social assessments, risk assessments around family violence, 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
• Referrals and collaboration with internal and external services to meet patients and family's needs

 What you bring

• An Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited Bachelor 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.
• 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.

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions
• Internal and external professional development opportunities
• Ongoing clinical supervision including group supervision and reflective practice
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment
• Dedicated Allied Health Assistants for the Social Work and Counselling team

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 is the largest health service in South West Victoria, providing acute, mental health, rehabilitation, and aged care together with an extensive range of primary and community health services across the South West catchment. SWH is the lead agency for the South West Local Health Service Network, presenting an exciting opportunity for SWH to provide strong leadership and support across the entire region. 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 14 June 2026. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

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

 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