Palliative Care Social Worker

Remuneration: $108,595 – $112,114 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Lvl 3 - This is a Level 3 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 3 applicants, applications from Level 1 and 2 will be considered.
Hours Per Week: 22
Requisition ID: REQ543519
Closing Date: 05/01/25

About the role:
Muswellbrook Community Health is seeking a dedicated Palliative Care Social Worker to join our collaborative and supportive team. Based within the Upper Hunter Social Work and Hunter Valley Community Health teams, you will work closely with the Upper Hunter Palliative Care service, which includes nursing and occupational therapy professionals. This role spans community and inpatient settings, providing home visits and inreach services to local hospitals and multi-purpose services (MPS).

You will be part of a small, supportive team at Muswellbrook, including Social Workers, an Aboriginal Health Worker, and on-site access to a line manager. Reporting to the Social Work Head of Discipline, you’ll receive regular monthly clinical supervision, relevant training, and professional development. This role also offers opportunities to engage in team activities, case conferencing, discharge planning, and networking within the broader Palliative Care and Social Work teams across the Upper Hunter region, covering areas such as Denman, Merriwa, Scone, and Murrurundi.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality, specialist Social Work services to palliative care clients, carers, and families to support optimal healthcare outcomes.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments, counselling, grief and bereavement support, advocacy, and practical assistance with navigating services and end-of-life planning.
• Collaborate with clients and the Palliative Care team to provide tailored interventions and ensure seamless care transitions from hospital to community.
• Mentor and supervise junior staff to foster professional growth and enhance clinical practice.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to advance service delivery and client outcomes.
• Maintain a strong commitment to cultural respect, workplace safety, and evidence-based best practice.

What we can offer 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: 

• Access to monthly clinical supervision, group supervision, and professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive training and education resources, both internal and external, to support your ongoing growth.
• Leadership support from the Senior Social Worker, the Upper Hunter Palliative Care service Nurse Manager, and peer support from the Muswellbrook and Palliative Care Social Work teams.
• Engagement in team activities, networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.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 Worklife 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 

Additional Information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
• 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. 
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.  
• 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.

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 Amanda Ing on Amanda.Ing@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: http://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.