Senior Social Worker

Education Directorate; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Reimbursement

Job summary

ACT Public Service is seeking a Senior Social Worker to deliver high‑level social work services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families facing complex social and educational challenges. The role offers professional autonomy, mentoring and collaboration with schools and community partners to improve wellbeing and engagement.

The position emphasizes cultural leadership, strengthening inclusive practices and advancing education outcomes, with a focus on

Qualifications

• This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified position.
• WWVP (Working with Vulnerable People) registration is required prior to commencing.
• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work.
• A minimum of four years, or equivalent, post‑graduate experience.
• Membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers or eligibility for membership.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑level social work services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.
• Undertake complex psychosocial assessment and provide evidence‑based interventions.
• Collaborate with schools, families, community organisations and government agencies to improve student wellbeing and education outcomes.
• Provide cultural leadership and guidance to multidisciplinary teams and promote culturally safe practices.

Job description

Details: The Senior Social Worker is an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position within Clinical Practice, Engagement and Wellbeing Support Services. The role delivers high-level social work services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families experiencing complex social, emotional, wellbeing and educational challenges that impact engagement in learning.

The Senior Social Worker undertakes complex psychosocial assessment, provides evidence-based interventions, case management and consultation services, and works collaboratively with schools, families, community organisations and government agencies to improve student wellbeing, participation and educational outcomes. The position contributes specialist social work expertise to multidisciplinary service delivery and supports strategic initiatives that strengthen inclusive and equitable education outcomes.

The role provides cultural leadership and guidance across multidisciplinary teams, promoting culturally safe, responsive and inclusive practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families. The Senior Social Worker brings vital cultural knowledge and perspectives into the workforce, influencing service delivery, stakeholder engagement, policy development and professional practice.

Working with a high degree of professional autonomy, the position exercises sound judgement in complex situations, provides mentoring, consultation and professional learning to colleagues, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the capability of schools and allied health professionals to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

Eligibility/Other Requirements:

• This is anAboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified position. Applicants must demonstrate a strong connection to, and understanding of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures.
• Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to: Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra .
• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work.
• A minimum of four years, or equivalent, post‑graduate experience.
• Membership with the Australian Association of Social Worker or eligibility for membership.

Notes: A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months. Selection may be based on application and referee reports only. Relocation Reimbursement (in line with current workplace agreement) will be available if the successful applicant is located outside the ACT.

For further information, please visit www.jobs.act.gov.au

Unlock job insights

Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

We deliver high-quality, inclusive public education to more than 50,000 students across 92 ACT public schools – from early childhood to year 12.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, whether in the classroom, leading schools, or supporting behind the scenes.

We offer diverse career opportunities, a values-led culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact every day.

We deliver high-quality, inclusive public education to more than 50,000 students across 92 ACT public schools – from early childhood to year 12.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, whether in the classroom, leading schools, or supporting behind the scenes.

We offer diverse career opportunities, a values-led culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact every day.

Perks and benefits A values-led culture that invests in its people Wellbeing focused careers in ACT

To help fast track investigation, please include here any other relevant details that prompted you to report this job ad as fraudulent / misleading / discriminatory / salary below minimum wage.