Senior Social Worker | Full-time Permanent

Australian Capital Territory; Canberra; On-site; AUD 128,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

The Senior Social Worker role in the ACT Education Directorate focuses on delivering high‑level social work services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families facing complex social and educational challenges. The role requires cultural leadership and collaboration with schools and communities to improve wellbeing and learning outcomes.

Applicants must demonstrate strong connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, have tertiary social work

Qualifications

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified position requiring strong connection to communities.
• WWVP background check before commencing the role.
• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work.
• 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 experiencing complex challenges affecting learning.
• Undertake psychosocial assessments, provide evidence-based interventions and case management.
• Collaborate with schools, families, community organisations and government agencies to improve student wellbeing and educational outcomes.
• Provide mentoring, consultation and professional learning to colleagues and contribute to continuous improvement.

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Social Work

Job description

Classification: Health Professional Level 4
Salary: $127,597 - $141,511 plus superannuation
Position No: 44729
Directorate: Education
Advertised (Gazettal date): 01 September 2026
Contact Officer: Sally Patrick [e-mail] or0466 855 762

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 an Aboriginal 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.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal .

Note

This is an Aboriginal 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.