Early Career Social Worker

Launch your social work career where it counts — gain broad clinical skills, real community impact and unmatched support as a Rural Generalist in Hunter New England

Remuneration: $73,427 - $104,753 per annum + super

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until January 2028

Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/2

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ608256

Applications Close: Sunday, 19th October 2025

About the role:

The Rural Generalist Program is an exciting opportunity for new graduate social workers to gain diverse clinical experience while living and working in rural communities. With the opportunity to rotate across different teams and clinical areas, this program gives you exceptional experience and the best start to your career. Working across clinical settings, from acute hospital care to community and outreach services, you would be able to build upon your knowledge and experiences, becoming a true generalist with sought after clinical skills

This is a unique two-year program, with a lot of layers of support for early career social workers. The Rural Generalist Program offers regular clinical supervision and mentoring opportunities. As an early career social worker, you will benefit from dedicated time for professional development, including monthly journal clubs and multidisciplinary education sessions. Creativity and continuous improvement are encouraged, with each participant implementing a Quality Improvement Project, with support from Senior staff to complete this. Additionally, you are supported to complete further study in rural generalist practice through the James Cook University Rural generalist level 1 course.

If you are looking to build strong foundational skills in social work and make a difference in rural communities across Hunter New England, this is the ideal role for you.

About us:

This is an excellent opportunity to join five other eager Early Career clinicians as part of Hunter New England's Allied Health Rural Generalist Program. The Rural Generalist Program aims to take great clinicians and support them to become excellent, generalist professionals who can confidently provide the highest quality healthcare to rural and remote communities. You would have ongoing support from local social work supervisors, as well as regular catch-ups with the Program Coordinator. No matter which team you are working in, you will always have support and help when you need it.

Hunter New England is a great place to start your career The diversity of settings within the district means that there are always new skills to learn, or a different clinical area to try. Whether you are working in a large regional hospital or a rural Multi-Purpose Service, it is all about the team you work with. This program helps you build local networks and learn from some highly-skilled Allied Health teams.

You would be an important member of the multi-disciplinary team as well as a respected member of the wider community. Within every service, you will be able to work alongside fantastic medical, nursing, and other Allied Health staff, to provide a holistic service to the community. It is an incredible feeling, to know you are making a real impact on the experiences of those who need it most.

Find out more about the program here: HNE Allied Health Rural Generalist Information Flyer 2025

About you:

We are looking for an enthusiastic social worker who:

• Has a keen interest in rural health and making a difference in the lives of those living in rural communities.
• Is motivated and flexible, committed to the well-being and outcomes of patients.
• Wants to build a diverse clinical skillset and is eager to learn.
• Enjoys working as part of a supportive social work and multidisciplinary team.
• Has a passion for using evidence-based assessments and treatments.
• Is keen to participate in ongoing team projects and service developments.
• Holds as a minimum a bachelor degree in social work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers. And have graduated within the last 3 years.

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:

• Gain incredible, diverse clinical experience across clinical areas
• Make an impact in rural communities while gaining a deeper understanding of holistic care
• Be supported by experienced Allied health teams for your professional development, working collaboratively with the team to get the best outcomes for patients
• Learn to manage your caseload effectively to continue to learn and grown
• Have regular supervision and lots of support from Senior staff and the Rural Generalist Program coordinator
• Tertiary Health Study Subsidies - Secure up to $8,000 for your health studies NSW Health offers Tertiary Health Study Subsidies for Open to new and graduating students entering NSW Health. Click here for more info
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• 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

Additional information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

How to apply:

Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

• Demonstrated effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of the multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development, evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.

Need more information?

1) Click here for the Position Description

2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Mitchell Smith on

Information for Applicants:

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit:

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:

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.

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.

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 delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD- for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.

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