About the role

We are looking for a Social Worker who is seeking an excellent work life balance in the beautiful region of Warrnambool. South West Healthcare's Social Work and Counselling Department provide Social Work services to clients (including outpatients, acute and subacute inpatients) and their families, to assist them to cope with the effects of illness, grief and loss, trauma and difficult life events.

You will be part of a friendly multi-disciplinary team and provide ongoing clinical assessments and targeted interventions including risk assessments, supportive counselling, adjustment to illness and complex discharge.

This fulltime (80 hours per fortnight) position will work across the acute and subacute wards at Warrnambool Base Hospital with the opportunity to have a rotation into community rehabilitation programs as required. This opportunity allows for experience in a range of clinical areas that will form the foundation of your career.

Scope of Social Work practice includes:

• Assessments - psycho-social assessments, risk assessments around family violence, elder abuse and exploitation
• Counselling, mediation and therapeutic interventions including supporting patients and their families to adjust to diagnosis, trauma and emotional responses to illness and treatment.
• Support children who are experiencing chronic and/or severe medical conditions and help families understand their child's diagnosis and possible reaction
• Grief, loss and bereavement support
• Mediation and conflict resolution and advocating for individuals and their families/carers
• Complex Discharge Planning - Referrals and collaboration with internal and external services to meet patients and family's needs

What you bring

• An Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited Bachelor Degree or entry level Master's Degree of Social Work that provides eligibility for membership of the AASW.
• Excellent communication skills, exhibit ethical and professional responsibility, have a high level of clinical assessment and intervention skills preferably within the public health sector 
• Skills in psycho-social assessments, problem solving, communication as well as counselling interventions.
• Candidates with experience in health sector preferred but not essential
• All candidates require Australian working rights.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to Professional Development - Education, quality improvement and evidence based practices will be your key drivers.
• Working with children's check
• Australian Drivers Licence

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Salary between $36 - $42 per hour depending on qualifications and experience (excluding superannuation)
• Fulltime (80 Hours per fortnight) Ongoing position.
• Monthly Accrued Day off (ADO)
• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions;
• Internal and external professional development opportunities;
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Ongoing clinical supervision including group supervision and reflective practice;
• Annual skills incentive bonus of up to $1000
• Dedicated Allied Health Assistants for the Social Work and Counselling team

This position is eligible for an incentive payment of up to $10,000 for rent, childcare, relocation costs and more, as part of the new workforce and incentive grants program administered by Rural Agency Workforce Victoria (RWAV) 

 Recent Feedback from a newly qualified Social Worker:

‘Completing my new graduate year at Southwest Healthcare, provided me with a diverse and well-rounded foundation in Social Work. I experienced rewarding learning opportunities that allowed me to explore specific interests. The Social Work team is incredibly supportive with highly educated practitioners, that encouraged my confidence and made me feel valued.'  Sarah L. April 2024

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community. SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.

How to apply

Submit your application by selecting the Apply button via our website and  include a cover letter and resume by Sunday 22 December 2024. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

Website link: Social Worker - Hospital | Warrnambool | (careers.vic.gov.au)

If you would like any further information or to discuss the role please contact Natalie Jeremias - Social Work and Counselling Manager on njeremias@swh.net.au or 03 5563 4358.

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2026, with the appropriate classification Social Worker Grade 1)

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check
• Current Immunisation status

Note: If you experience any difficulties with this website, please email: humanresources@swh.net.au