Social Work Grade 3

Are you a current Austin Health employee? 

If yes, please log in to the Austin Health careers website via 'Employee Login' using your network log in details to search, view and apply for all career opportunities available. 

• Social Work Grade 3 - Team Leader / Senior Clinician 
• Two Full time, permanent positions
• Base salary + generous salary packaging + super

Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research across three campuses in the north-east of Melbourne and statewide. We have a highly engaged, diverse and collaborative workforce that is unified by our goal to help people live healthy and fulfilled lives. 

About the Social Work Department

The Social Work Department aims to provide services to Austin Health patients and their families/carers which assists in the minimisation of the negative impacts of illness and hospitalisation. We aim to enhance social and emotional functioning through targeted interventions; whilst leading and excelling in research, teaching and the use of person- centred evidence-based practice.

About the role 

As the Grade 3 Team Leader / Senior Clinician you will be responsible for providing operational leadership, clinical support and direct clinical social work services to patients. You will have demonstrated experience and expert knowledge of the delivery of social work service to acute care populations and be able to support junior clinicians in this area. This position will be based at the acute site but may be required to work flexibly across different areas or sites when required.

A regular day will see you:   

• Provide clinical leadership to ensure effective team performance, provide expert clinical advice to other clinicians and undertake other duties that support the Social Work department and its operations.
• Provide expert clinical care to patients, families and carers
• Support staff and students through supervision
• Support the Social Work Manager and Grade 4 Social Work staff in a range of activities including operational management, department planning and development, strategic planning, policy development and portfolios
• Work collaboratively with the Social Work Department manager and senior clinicians to ensure a consistent and aligned approach to Social Work service delivery
• Participate in (and potentially lead small scale) Quality and Research activities within the Social Work Department

About you 

As the Social Work Team Leader / Senior Clinician, you will be someone who has excellent communication skills, with a strong commitment to excellence in patient care. You will bring energy and drive to your work, and have a keen interest in developing your skillset.

You'll bring with you: 

• A degree in Social Work and eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Demonstrated 7 years clinical expertise in a particular field / service area
• Previously worked in a hospital setting
• An ability to work autonomously, in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Demonstrated well-developed skills and knowledge in health, including advanced patient assessment and intervention skills, discharge planning, consultation, referral, risk assessment, and collaborative care planning
• Proven capacity to perform as a clinical social worker role in practice settings; and a sound knowledge of principles of professional practice and adherence to professional ethics
• Ability to work and contribute to team culture 
• Experience in leading and developing others 

Our benefits 

• Working at Austin Health means enjoying a strong sense of purpose, engaging in meaningful work every day. Our people also receive a variety of rewarding benefits, including: 
• Greater take-home pay through generous salary packaging, for living expenses, meals, and holiday accommodation. 
• A suite of wellness initiatives designed to support you, including discounted fitness memberships and special offers on health insurance, and a comprehensive wellbeing program. 
• Onsite childcare at Austin Hospital, easy access via public transport and car parking options. 
• Mentoring and career development opportunities. 
• Five weeks annual leave (pro rata for part time), plus purchase leave options.

Work with us 

We are committed to cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, identities, cultures, bodies, and abilities. We welcome and support applications from talented people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ and people of all ages and cultures. 

If you feel this role is right for you, we encourage your early application. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. What matters most is your passion, your drive and your willingness to learn and contribute. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad prior to the advertised closing date. 

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and if required, a Working With Children Check. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, you are welcome to reach out to the hiring managers: Nicola Hainsworth or Tamara Powell, Social Work Acute Operations Lead at and

Interested in finding out more about this opportunity? Read the position description for further details. 

Application closing date: 15 October 2025