Social Worker Violence, Abuse and Neglect Level 3

**_Join us and turn your passion into powerful community impact._**

**Employment Type**: Permanent Full Time
**Position Classification**: Social Worker, Abuse & Neglect Level 3
**Remuneration**: $56.68 - $58.52 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging
**Hours Per Week**: 38
**Requisition ID**: REQ604882
**Location**: Muswellbrook Community Health Service
**Applications Close**: Monday 13th October 2025

**Where you'll be working**:
This position is based at the Muswellbrook Community Health Service and is part of the Upper Hunter Social Work team. Our team is small, collaborative, and supportive, comprising Social Workers and an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of skills and knowledge. We are a close-knit group committed to delivering a high-quality and well-regarded social work service to the Hunter Valley district.
The VAN Social Worker (SW) role covers the Hunter Valley area, including Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone, and surrounding remote communities. This diverse and highly respected position involves direct clinical work with clients, as well as providing consultation, education, collaboration, and support to the social work team, multidisciplinary teams, health services, interagency partners, and other key stakeholders. Additionally, the role is responsible for delivering key training and education to staff and representing the Hunter Valley in relevant networks and meetings.

**What you'll be doing**:
Key tasks, roles, and responsibilities include representing the Hunter Valley Social Work service in networks and meetings, such as SAM, Safe Start, and VAN clinical leads forums. You will actively participate in collaborative multidisciplinary team (MDT) services, including Safe Start and SAM, across the Hunter Valley district.
The role involves providing consultation, education, and support to colleagues, MDT members, and other services both within and outside NSW Health. You will offer clinical guidance and support to the Social Work team regarding VAN-related issues and presentations.
Direct clinical social work interventions for VAN presentations will be provided in the Hospital and Emergency Departments at Scone, Muswellbrook, and Singleton Hospitals as required. Additionally, Muswellbrook and Quirindi Hospitals have access to a pilot After Hours VAN Telehealth Crisis service, offering consultation, assessment, intervention, and support to their Emergency Departments for VAN presentations.
The applicant will report directly to the Social Work Head of Discipline based at Muswellbrook and work closely with the Social Work team. Additional support will be provided by the VAN Integration Coordinator and the VAN Professional Lead. Extensive training opportunities are available, including programs on SAM, Safe Start, domestic and family violence (DFV), child protection, DVRS, and access to a broad range of education and training through MHL, ECAV, the VAN stream, and relevant professional networks.
This service is staffed by senior Social Workers on a tiered roster system. The Muswellbrook VAN Social Worker will be involved in this innovative service and have the opportunity to participate in rostered shifts, contributing to this valued team.

**About you**:
Work collaboratively with Violence, Abuse, and Neglect (VAN) clinicians and local psychosocial health staff in the Hunter Valley Sector to support children, young people, and adults presenting with suspected or confirmed physical and psychological harm, neglect, or exposure to domestic or family violence. This partnership will develop through networking, collaboration, and experience.
Demonstrate advanced skills in psychosocial assessment, trauma-informed response, and intervention to coordinate health responses for those impacted by violence, abuse, and neglect. Act as a consultant within the Hunter Valley sector, providing advice and support for VAN cases, further developing this role through collaboration.
Support managers representing Health services at Safety Action Meetings under the NSW Safer Pathway initiative by providing consultation on domestic and family violence. Attend local Sector Safe Start Meetings to advise on case planning and service referrals, working closely with social work leadership.
Demonstrate cultural competence in serving Aboriginal children, young people, and families, in alignment with HNE Health’s Closing the Gap strategy, developing this through ongoing training and collaboration with Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers.
Participate in the Muswellbrook and Quirindi Hospitals’ After Hours VAN Telehealth Crisis Service, coordinating forensic, medical, and psychosocial responses to VAN presentations including sexual assault and domestic violence. Model workplace behaviours consistent with HNE Health Values and NSW Health Code of Conduct, promoting cultural respect and excellence in care.

**Requirements**:

- Relevant qualifications and experience as per Award Classifica