Job Description

Position overview

• Employment Type: Full Time (80 hours per fortnight) with a monthly ADO, Fixed Term 12 Month Program, commencing July 2026
• Location: Warrnambool Campus, with opportunity to work across multiple campus', including Portland, Hamilton & Camperdown
• Classification: Qualified Social Worker Grade 2, Year 3
• Salary Range: $81,073.20 per annum, plus superannuation

About the role

South West Healthcare (SWH) is excited to offer a Social Work Graduate Program commencing July 2026, designed to support your transition from student to confident practicing Social Worker.

We are committed to providing a highly supportive environment, with a strong focus on professional development and clinical excellence. This structured program will help you consolidate your theoretical knowledge while building practical skills across a variety of mental health settings.

The 12-month program includes two six-month rotations across the following areas:

• Adult Community Mental Health
  • Older Adult Mental Health
  • Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health Service (ICYMHS)
  • Sub-Acute Prevention and Recovery Centre (PARC)
  • Acute Inpatient Unit (AIU)

Depending on service needs, your community rotation may be based at one of our regional sites in Portland, Hamilton, or Camperdown.

This is a supernumerary position within our Mental Health Services, offering dedicated study time and ongoing support from a Mental Health Social Work Educator

What you bring

You are motivated to begin your Social Work career in Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, with a strong focus on learning and delivering evidence-based care.

• Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
• Eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• In your first year of practice post-graduation
• A genuine interest in developing a career in mental health
• Desire to live and work in regional Victoria
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to collaboration, curiosity, and lifelong learning
• Commitment to patient- and family-centred care
• Current driver's licence, with willingness to travel regionally

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
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment

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 31 May 2026. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028.

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

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

South West Healthcare is an Equal Opportunities employer and commits to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity by providing a trusting workplace that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate. We strongly encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, culturally diverse backgrounds, disability, all genders, and LGBTQI+ community. We are committed to The Child Safe Standards, which aim to protect children and young people. 

Note: If you experience any difficulties using this website or require assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please email: humanresources@swh.net.au