Social Worker Grade 1 Full Time Permanent

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Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research across three campuses in the north-east of Melbourne and statewide. We have a highly engaged, diverse and collaborative workforce that is unified by our goal to help people live healthy and fulfilled lives. 

About the department

The Social Work Department is committed to promoting and providing the highest level of social work practice for all our patients. In realising this goal, the department will lead and excel in person-centred evidence-based practice, education, and research. Social Workers are expected to participate in activities (appropriate to grade level) which support this, including professional supervision and performance review; research and quality improvement activities; and undergraduate/post graduate student supervision and training.

About the role 

As the Grade 1 Social Worker, you will be responsible for providing direct clinical care to patients and families.  You will be part of a Social Work Team of committed Social Workers. This is a permanent, full time position.

This position is based at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital site and provides services to patients in the aged care rehabilitation program. You may also be required to work in other clinical areas and sites of Austin Health dependant on the needs of the service.

You will have also the opportunity to be learn and grow your capabilities via our Social Work Department Portfolios including clinical education, quality improvement education, digital health/ informatics.

A regular day will see you:   

• Provide expert clinical care to patients, families and carers
• Conduct psychosocial assessment, advocacy, referral, supportive counselling, discharge planning, and case coordination
• Navigate service systems such as Family Violence, Child Protection, NDIS, and My Aged Care 
• Access advice, secondary consultation and support within Social Work Department and other areas as required

About you 

You will be someone who has excellent communication skills with a strong commitment to excellence in patient care. You’ll bring energy and drive to your work and have a keen interest in developing your skillset.

To be successful in this role you’ll bring with you:

• Degree in Social Work and eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Previous experience in a hospital setting
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment and contribute to case conference and case discussion
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in - health, comprehensive psychosocial assessment, appropriate intervention plans including discharge planning, responding to risk, collaborative care planning, counselling
• Commitment and capacity to perform as a clinical social worker in practice settings; and a sound knowledge of key social work theories, principles of professional practice and adherence to professional ethics

Our benefits 

Working at Austin Health means enjoying a strong sense of purpose, engaging in meaningful work every day. Our people also receive a variety of rewarding benefits, including: 

• Greater take-home pay through generous salary packaging, for living expenses, meals, and holiday accommodation. 
• A suite of wellness initiatives designed to support you, including discounted fitness memberships and special offers on health insurance, and a comprehensive wellbeing program. 
• Onsite childcare at Austin Hospital, easy access via public transport and car parking options. 
• Mentoring and career development opportunities. 

Work with us! 

We are committed to cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, identities, cultures, bodies, and abilities. We welcome and support applications from talented people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ and people of all ages and cultures. 

If you feel this role is right for you, we encourage your early application. Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. What matters most is your passion, your drive and your willingness to learn and contribute. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad prior to the advertised closing date. 

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and if required, a Working With Children Check. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, you are welcome to reach out to the hiring manager: Maggie Turczynski, Grade 4 Social Work Operations Lead Subacute at Maggie.Turczynski@austin.org.au 

Interested in finding out more about this opportunity? Read the position description for further details. 

Application closing date: Thursday 18 September 2025