Social Worker - Level 1/2

Help shape a new Acute Mental Health Unit - support recovery, families and complex care as part of a compassionate, multidisciplinary team
Remuneration: $76,364 - $108,943 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Tamworth Community Health Service
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/2
Requisition ID: REQ627815
Applications Close: Monday 12th January 2026
An exciting opportunity exists for a skilled and compassionate Social Worker to join the multidisciplinary team at the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit, opening in 2026 and servicing the New England North West region.
This state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility will provide 37 inpatient beds, including:

• 20 General Adult beds
• 5 High Acuity beds
• 4 Youth beds
• 8 Older Persons beds
  

About The Role
This is a Level 1/2 Social Work enhancement position within the Acute Mental Health Unit multidisciplinary team. As a Social Worker in this dynamic inpatient setting, you will play a vital role in supporting consumers, families, and carers through admission, treatment, and discharge.
Working collaboratively with medical, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, and allied health colleagues, you will contribute to a holistic, recovery-oriented model of care. Consumers are supported to engage in a structured therapeutic group program focused on engagement, socialisation, education, and skills development addressing both mental and physical health needs.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and contribute to multidisciplinary care planning
• Provide crisis intervention and support consumers during acute episodes of mental illness
• Work closely with families and carers to strengthen support networks and improve outcomes
• Support effective discharge planning and continuity of care across community and service providers
• Respond to complex legal and statutory matters, including guardianship, child protection, and domestic and family violence
• Advocate for consumers and promote evidence-based, person-centred interventions
• Maintain accurate documentation and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
  

About You
We are seeking a Social Worker who brings:

• Strong clinical knowledge in psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, and discharge planning
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build therapeutic relationships with consumers and families
• Professionalism, ethical practice, and cultural competence
• Critical thinking, sound judgement, and strong time management skills
• Resilience, self-awareness, and a commitment to reflective practice
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team in a high-intensity acute setting
  

What We Offer
You will be well supported in this role through:

• Line management support and guidance from the Social Work Professional Lead
• Regular, structured clinical supervision
• Ongoing professional development and education opportunities
• The chance to be part of a brand-new service and contribute to shaping a contemporary mental health unit from its foundation
  

If you are passionate about delivering high-quality, recovery-focused mental health care and want to be part of an innovative new service, we would love to hear from you.
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• ADO's each month (for full time employees)
• Salary packaging options
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals
  

Requirements

• Must hold as a minimum a bachelor degree in social work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer
  

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.
• This position is full time; however, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
• 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 [email protected] 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.

• Describe how you use effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication in your role. Provide an example of how you have worked collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Provide an example of how you effectively manage your time and set priorities when balancing competing demands or workloads.
• Describe your commitment to professional development, evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. Include examples of how you have applied learning or evidence to improve your practice.
  

Need more information?

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

For role related queries or questions contact Priscilla Zifodya on [email protected]
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.