Paediatric Social Worker

**_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?**

**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._

**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 de