Make a real difference for children - deliver expert child protection social work in a fast-paced hospital, alongside a trusted multidisciplinary team

Remuneration: $58.95 - $60.86 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging

Location: John Hunter Children's Hospital

Employment Type: Permanent Part Time

Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3

Hours Per Week: 31

Requisition ID: REQ633202

Applications Close: Sunday 1st February 2026

This is a Level 3 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 3 applicants, applications from Level 1 and 2 will be considered. The selection criteria reflects the requirements for a Level 3 applicant. Responses from Level 1 or 2 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to the same criteria and their ability to work towards Level 3. The expected performance of the incumbent will be commensurate with his/her years of experience and current level at commencement of appointment. The incumbent will work towards meeting the criteria for Level 3.

“Being a social worker in the Child Protection Team gives you the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families and children … The Child Protection Team is a close-knit team where social work is highly valued, working in partnerships with medical and nursing staff, providing comprehensive and holistic assessment, advocacy and care planning.”

Karen - Child Protection Social Worker

Join a team where your expertise truly matters. Our Child Protection team at John Hunter Children’s Hospital is a dynamic, multidisciplinary group working in a fast-paced acute care environment. We deliver specialist social work services across a diverse range of practice areas, including clinical coordination of paediatric clinics and expert consultation for health professionals. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do - partnering closely with medical, nursing and allied health colleagues, as well as key interagency partners such as the Department of Communities and Justice and NSW Police.

About The Role

Step into a rewarding position where you can make a genuine difference to children and families. In this role, you’ll provide high-quality clinical care, including undertaking complex psychosocial assessments and responding to acute presentations. You will coordinate child protection paediatric clinics, offer expert consultation on child protection matters, and contribute both to immediate responses and longer-term health coordination. You will also play a key role in developing innovative strategies to manage complex cases across settings and in strengthening the hospital’s child protection response through effective partnerships.

About You

We’re seeking a highly skilled and compassionate social worker with a strong foundation in child protection and trauma-informed practice. You will bring experience in child protection or acute care settings, with the capability to conduct complex assessments, provide expert advice, and manage clinic-based case coordination. Your ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and communicate confidently with interagency partners will be essential. Resilience, adaptability, cultural competence, and a genuine commitment to advocating for children and families are key attributes.

Requirements

Must hold as a minimum a bachelor degree in social work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.Ability and willingness to participate in the on-call social work roster, which covers both John Hunter Hospital and John Hunter Children's Hospital afterhours and on weekends.

What We Offer

At John Hunter Children’s Hospital, you’ll join a supportive and skilled team that values innovation, compassion, and professional growth. We provide access to ongoing professional development, clinical supervision, and strong peer support networks. Our team prioritises wellbeing, encourages creativity, and celebrates the vital role of social work in child protection.

Additional Information

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. An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies. We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position. 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-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support.

How To Apply

Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

Demonstrated understanding and application of NSW Health Child Protection policies, procedures and child protection legislation. A well-developed knowledge of the psycho-social challenges facing families in the relevant clinical area and a sound knowledge of relevant community resources and support services available to the children and families.Significant post graduate experience in a variety of social work intervention including psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, case management and counselling within an acute health setting. Demonstrated high level verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.Proven ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, and to build and maintain collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders through the application of well-developed interpersonal, case co-ordination, organisational and time management skills.

Need more information?

Click here for the Position Description Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Melissa Davis on Melissa.Davis@health.nsw.gov.au

Information For Applicants

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

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.