Paediatric social worker – Weekends
Make an impact when it matters most—support children and families during weekends at John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
Remuneration: $56.69 - $58.52 Per Hour + Super + Salary Packaging
Location: John Hunter Children’s Hospital
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3
Hours Per Week: This is a 12-hr a week position to cover the JHCH on a Saturday and Sunday 9am-3:30pm.
Requisition ID: REQ568213
Applications Close: Monday 19/05/2025
Where you'll be working:
This position is based at John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Newcastle, one of the leading paediatric hospitals in New South Wales. You’ll be joining a dedicated team of social workers who are passionate about delivering high-quality, trauma-informed care to children and their families.
Our social work team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and values collaboration, open communication, and mutual support. While this role functions independently on weekends, you’ll be well-connected to a team culture that prioritises consultation, professional development, and compassionate care.
About the role:
As the weekend social worker, you’ll be the sole social work clinician on-site, providing essential psychosocial support across paediatric areas including the emergency department, inpatient wards, PICU, and neonatal services. This fast-paced, autonomous role focuses on high-priority and time-sensitive matters.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Triage and prioritisation of urgent referrals
- Crisis intervention in cases involving child protection, family violence, mental health, or end-of-life care
- Advocacy and support for families in distress
- Liaison with NSW DCJ, police, and crisis services
- Collaborating with medical and nursing staff on weekends
- Providing trauma-informed, culturally safe care during acute events
This position is suited to someone confident working independently, with strong hospital-based or acute paediatric experience.
About you:
You're a skilled social worker with a strong clinical foundation and the capacity to provide calm, effective support in critical situations. We’re looking for:
- Excellent clinical judgement and confidence working autonomously
- Experience in child protection and mandatory reporting
- Crisis response and trauma-informed practice
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience in hospital or acute paediatric settings
Requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications in Social Work
- Eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- Demonstrated experience in acute care, preferably in a paediatric or hospital environment
- Availability to work weekends
What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Health, 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
- Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
- Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) – giving you the opportunity for true work-life balance
- Salary packaging options – up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
- Fitness Passport for health and well-being – discounted gym options for you and your family
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
- Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals
- Access to an orientation manual, supervision (as per AASW guidelines), education sessions, paediatric grand rounds, Schwartz rounds, and HETI online training
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Alicia Tremain on Alicia.Tremain@health.nsw.gov.au
Additional Information:
There is the option to job share to allow two social workers to work alternate weekends.
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.
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.
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 Rebecca.Caldwell@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
