Social Worker Level 3

Looking for a way to make a real impact on our community? Be at the forefront of a dynamic workforce utilising innovative, evidence-based skills and interventions to professionally support people requesting assistance with alcohol and drug use.

With a rewarding career in alcohol and other drugs, you can be part of the vibrant and professional team enriching health in millions of ways every day.

Our benefits:

• A collaborative, teams-based multi-disciplinary approach to patient care
• Engaging and intellectually stimulating work
• A team that is inclusive, respectful, and values the diverse communities it serves
• A position dedicated to empowering others to achieve their goals
• Salary packaging options
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Employment type: Temporary Part Time – Until June 2026

Position classification: Social Worker Level 3

Remuneration: $ $58.52 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging

Hours per week: 24

Requisition ID: REQ

Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.

Who we are:

At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), 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.

The alcohol and other drugs team work for the greater good through an open, flexible and dynamic, strengths-based approach. We listen to understand, not label.

We are an inclusive and committed team where staff are encouraged to bring their whole self to work and are proud that our team is as diverse as the vibrant communities we support.

The successful applicant will be located in Tamworth, where the opportunities to explore the great outdoors and fine dining are endless. As the Social Worker for our Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Service (SUPPS), you will be situated on the grounds of our base hospital and provide care to those who are experiencing substance use challenges during their pregnancy or in their early post-partum period.

What you'll be doing:

Using innovative, evidence-based skills and interventions, you will professionally support individuals seeking assistance with alcohol and drug use. You will take a trauma-informed approach and provide respectful, person-centred care, tailored to individual's needs. Central to your role will be employing an individualised, holistic approach to care, incorporating comprehensive care planning to address the diverse physical, emotional, and social aspects of each person's journey.

Your role includes working alongside other disciplines to provide a high level of clinical skills and opportunistic programs to support substance using parents and focus on harm minimisation. SUPPS clinicians focus on family strengths and use a trauma informed approach to address risks and better support families. You will be required to manage complicated challenges as they arise, to refer to other services as required, support antenatal care, and develop appropriate care plans in consultation with clients, families and other team members.

A social worker position in the alcohol and other drugs sector offers a challenging and rewarding specialisation. It provides the opportunity to take pride in the field, with a strong focus on human rights and intellectually stimulating work.

Your contribution as a healthcare professional will have a meaningful and positive impact, which is felt at a community level. You will foster trust and build rapport amongst clients and colleagues, whilst demonstrating strong active listening skills and the ability to set clear boundaries to maintain professionalism.

Criteria:

Candidates will need to meet the following criteria:

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work with evidence of extensive clinical experience in a hospital or health field as a practicing Social Worker at Level 3 or above (Drug and Alcohol experience advantageous) and membership (or eligibility) with the Australian Association Social Workers (AASW).
• Current unrestricted driver's license and understanding role will include travel for work purposes which may involve driving long distances and working from several service sites across the Lower and Upper Hunter sector
• Demonstrated ability to use a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, having a comprehensive understanding and/ or demonstrated social work experience in the social and emotional needs of clients with Drug and Alcohol issues, including clinical response and care planning
• Demonstrated high level verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences

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 Tara Checkley on

This is a NSW Health Category A position which requires immunisation and screening for certain diseases. The full list of requirements are outlined in the NSW Health OASV Policy (Page 11). You will be required to complete the OASV Undertaking/ Declaration Form and TB Assessment Tool during the recruitment process. Please upload this with your application along with any other vaccination evidence that you may have.

NSW Health is committed to implementing the Child Safe Standards.

Applications close: Thursday 13th November 2025