Senior Social Worker - Hospital Generalist - Incentives Offered

Make a real impact in regional healthcare - support patients, navigate complex social issues, and grow your career in vibrant Tamworth

Remuneration: $112,396 – $116,038 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives
Location: Tamworth Hospital
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time – Until December 2025 (with the possibility of extension)
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3
Requisition ID: REQ592562
Applications Close: Monday 28th July 2025

This is a Social Work 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.

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:

• Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $10,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*  
• 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
   

About the role:

Step into a deeply rewarding and community-focused role at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital, one of the largest and most progressive regional hospitals in the New England region. As a valued member of our dedicated Social Work team, you’ll play a central role in supporting patients and families through some of life’s most challenging moments, across both inpatient and community settings.

Based in Tamworth and servicing surrounding townships including Barraba, Manilla, and Walcha, you’ll deliver timely, compassionate, and evidence-based care that empowers individuals and strengthens community wellbeing. You’ll also contribute to the Transitional Aged Care Program, supporting older adults as they move from hospital back into their homes and regain independence.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a generalist Social Worker who enjoys variety and thrives on building strong, therapeutic relationships. You’ll be backed by a collaborative team culture, structured training, and the chance to really make your mark in a regional health setting.

What you’ll be doing:

In this varied and meaningful position, you will:

• Deliver high-quality, client-centred social work services to patients and families across medical, surgical, rehabilitation, and aged care areas.

• Support patients facing acute crises, including those experiencing trauma, domestic and family violence, child protection concerns, homelessness, grief and loss, and complex discharge planning.

• Contribute actively to a multidisciplinary team alongside doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and community services, ensuring care is coordinated and holistic.

• Participate in community outreach and post-acute support, including work within the Transitional Aged Care Program (TACP) to facilitate safe, supported discharge and recovery at home.

• Maintain thorough and timely clinical documentation and participate in case reviews, supervision, and reflective practice.

• Commit to a monthly afternoon shift and one weekend per month

• Access a comprehensive orientation program, regular professional development opportunities, and dedicated clinical supervision to support your continued growth.

Why choose Tamworth?

Tamworth offers the perfect balance of career opportunity and lifestyle. You’ll enjoy:

• A welcoming regional hub with top-tier health facilities, schools, sporting clubs, and growing infrastructure.

• A strong sense of community connection where your work has visible, lasting impact.

• A thriving arts and events scene - including the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival - plus scenic parks, national forests, and easy access to nature.

• A relaxed lifestyle with a lower cost of living, short commutes, and a supportive network of local professionals and families.

Whether you're looking to step into regional health for the first time or continue building a meaningful rural career, Tamworth is a place where you can grow professionally while living well.

About you:

You’re a compassionate, motivated clinician who brings strong critical thinking and emotional intelligence to every interaction. You have:

• Demonstrated experience in a hospital, acute care, or multidisciplinary health setting.

• Skills in navigating complex social issues, including family and domestic violence, trauma, child protection, elder abuse, and housing instability.

• Confidence managing a diverse and often fast-paced caseload, with strong organisational and communication skills.

• The ability to work autonomously while contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

• A growth mindset and commitment to lifelong learning, evidence-based practice, and cultural safety.