Deputy Head of Social Work

Overview

Deputy Head of Social Work at Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) is a full time permanent appointment at 76 hours per fortnight, based at Perth Children's Hospital & Neonatology. Vacancy Reference No. 696878.

Play a key role in shaping the future of Social Work services at Perth Children's Hospital & Neonatology (PCHN). This is a leadership role to shape service delivery, support career progression and professional growth for early and mid-career clinicians and contribute to innovative models of care that make a meaningful difference for children, young people, and families.

Working in close partnership with the Head of Department (HoD), you will develop and implement strategic and service development initiatives, support the team through change, collaborate across service areas and with other health disciplines to identify service priorities and ensure integrated high quality care, and drive the continual improvement of contemporary, evidence-based social work practice.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Leading day-to-day operations of the Social Work service, supporting four team leaders across specialist portfolios in the delivery of compassionate and responsive family and patient centred care, providing professional consultation on complex cases.
• Providing operational oversight and resource management, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
• Driving service development, change management, and innovation, including redesign of supervision structures and models of care.
• Contributing to research and quality improvement initiatives that drive evidence based practice, and encourage mentoring, reflective practice and professional development opportunities.
• Managing performance issues proactively, working with team leaders to foster accountability and growth.
• Continuing to foster a cohesive, stable, and supportive departmental culture.

If you are an experienced leader, with advanced casework skills and a strong knowledge of evidence-based models of care, we encourage you to apply.

A tertiary qualification in Social Work and eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is a requirement for this role.

About Our Department

Based at Perth Children's Hospital, our dedicated team of Social Workers, Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers and Welfare Officers offer a wide range of services to inpatients and outpatients from birth to 16 years of age. Designed to assist families in managing the practical, personal, and emotional impacts of illness, disability, and hospitalisation, our comprehensive services include specialist counselling and crisis assistance, advocacy for patient needs, education, liaison with other services and referral to community-based resources. Health issues can deeply impact the emotional and social well-being of children and their families. As part of a holistic approach to each child's care, we work closely with a medical, nursing, and allied health professionals to assess needs and provide compassionate support. We believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life, and at times we continue to work with some families even after they leave the hospital, which includes travelling to support rural and regionally based out-patients.

How To Apply

We welcome your application via the 'Apply for Job' button at the bottom of this page.

Requirements

Your ability to meet the work-related requirements will be assessed throughout the recruitment process. For your written application please provide the following:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria in no more than 2-3 pages.
• A current resume which summarises your experience and how you are able to meet the position requirements.
• Evidence of a tertiary qualification in Social Work and eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers OR evidence from the AASW of assessment of an overseas social work qualification and AASW membership eligibility.

Selection Criteria: Please see the attached Job Description Form.

For Further Job Related Information

We encourage you to contact Joanne McNamara (Head of Department Social Work) on email joanne.mcnamara@health.wa.gov.au or phone 0436 595 377 with any specific questions related to this role.

Help in submitting your application: If you experience technical difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.

Eligibility to Apply: To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have a valid working visa (for fixed term appointments) or be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have a visa to live and work indefinitely in Australia (for permanent appointments).

About CAHS

The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) is the leading paediatric healthcare provider in Western Australia, the State's only dedicated health service for infants, children and young people. CAHS comprises four service areas: Neonatology, Community Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Perth Children's Hospital (PCH).

With over 6500 employees, our services are delivered at PCH and King Edward Memorial Hospitals (KEMH), as well as across a network of more than 160 community clinics across the Perth metropolitan area.

CAHS is committed to providing a workplace culture driven by our values of Compassion, Collaboration, Equity, Respect, Excellence and Accountability. During the selection process you may be assessed on your ability to fulfil the responsibilities of this position in accordance with the values.

Other Conditions: WA Health policies require applicants to undertake criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. Referees may also be asked to comment on an applicant's integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. WA Health is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service. We embrace diversity and strongly encourage applications from people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to growing our Aboriginal workforce as part of WA Health Aboriginal Workforce Policy. This position may require a Western Australian Working With Children (WWC) Check. For further information refer to the WWC website.

For Assistance including any adjustment needed to accommodate a disability and confidential enquiries – please contact the Strategic Talent Acquisition Recruitment Team (START) service via CAHS.TalentAcquisition@health.wa.gov.au

Lodgement is system generated. Submissions after 4:00pm on the closing date will not be accepted. Late or email applications will not be considered.

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