Social Worker Aged Care RC

Harbourside Port Stephens; Port Stephens Council; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Aged Care Salary Packaging up to $15,Z

Job summary

Harbourside Port Stephens seeks an experienced social worker to deliver therapeutic support and person-centred care for residents in a not-for-profit aged care setting.

You will assess, counsel, advocate, and refer, while collaborating with families, residents, and the care team to promote dignity and quality of life.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Social Work degree accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• Eligibility for AASW membership is required.
• Experience in aged care, health, disability, or community services is preferred.
• Strong understanding of the Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional assessment, counselling, advocacy, and referral services.
• Promote wellbeing, independence, and quality of life for residents.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for person-centred care planning.
• Maintain accurate documentation, case notes, and reporting.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Empathy and resilience

Documentation and reporting

Counselling and advocacy

Education

Social Work degree (AASW accredited)

Eligibility for AASW membership

Job description

For more than 40 years, Harbourside has been a trusted, community-driven provider of aged care in Port Stephens. We pay individual attention to the needs and quality of life of our residents. Our roots in community care continue to shape our compassionate culture and commitment to supporting local seniors with dignity and respect.

As a not-for-profit aged care provider, employees can benefit from Aged Care Salary Packaging of up to $15,899 per year, helping you maximise your take-home pay.

Job Description

About the role

Having the ability to build trust and rapport with residents and families is essential to delivering therapeutic support in circumstances of significant distress and vulnerability. Many residents live with a diagnosed mental health condition. This role works closely with residents, families, clients and the broader residential and home care teams to promote wellbeing, independence, and quality of life. You will provide professional assessment, counselling, advocacy, and referral services while contributing to holistic, person-centred care planning.

This position offers flexibility and may be undertaken on either a full-time basis or as a part-time job share arrangement.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Degree in Social Work accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• Eligibility for membership with the AASW.
• Previous experience working within aged care, health, disability, or community services.
• Sound knowledge of the aged care sector, including the Aged Care Act and Aged Care Quality Standards.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated empathy, resilience, and professionalism when managing sensitive situations.
• Strong psychosocial assessment, counselling, and advocacy skills.
• Experience conducting risk assessments and safety planning, including suicide risk assessment
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent documentation, case management, and report-writing abilities.
• Demonstrated understanding of grief, loss, and trauma-informed practice.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• National Criminal History Check (Police Check – every 3 years)
• Any additional checks required for working with vulnerable people
• Functional Assessment
• Proof of qualifications and eligibility for AASW membership