Senior Generalist Social Worker

About the role

Maitland Hospital in the Lower Hunter region of New South Wales is recruiting a Generalist Senior Social Worker (Social Worker Level 3) for its Social Work Service. The role sits within a multidisciplinary team covering the Emergency Department, ICU, surgical and medical wards, maternity, NICU and paediatrics, and links with social work teams in Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and community health. It combines a clinical caseload with mentoring, support and education for new staff and clinicians. The position reports to the Site Senior Social Worker, may backfill the weekend roster, and is permanent part-time at 19 hours per week.

Key responsibilities

• Work with patients across inpatient areas, including long-stay patients needing complex discharge planning, guardianship or financial management applications through NCAT, and NDIS support coordination.
• Facilitate safe and effective transitions of care with patients, families, multidisciplinary teams and external providers.
• Manage complex clinical presentations and develop skills across emergency, ICU and other clinical services.
• Contribute to service development, quality outcomes and social work practice excellence through leadership, consultation and professional support to colleagues.
• Provide mentoring, support and education to new staff and clinicians; backfill the weekend social work roster at times.

Required profile

• Bachelor degree in Social Work eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or an equivalent qualification.
• At least three years of postgraduate social work experience, preferably in a hospital, health or complex care setting.
• Ability to manage a clinical caseload and work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Current driver's licence and ability to travel between service locations if required.

Required skills

• Excellent communication, assessment and care coordination skills.
• High-level verbal, written and interpersonal communication, adapting style to different audiences.
• Independent problem-solving and adherence to professional and ethical boundaries.

What we offer

• Pay of $61.31-$63.30 per hour plus superannuation.
• Flexible work arrangements where operationally appropriate.
• Structured orientation, supervision and professional development, including monthly line management meetings and access to My Health Learning.
• Study leave, support for conferences and team events.
• Modern workplace, salary packaging options and fitness passport for you and your family.

To apply, use the online application form and address the criteria with examples of your ability.