Social Worker – Forensic Mental Health Services

ACT Health; Canberra; On-site; AUD 112,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and conditions

Salary packaging

Flexible hours

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The ACT Health Social Worker role at the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit (DMHU) within Canberra offers a permanent full-time position in a 25-bed forensic facility. You will deliver clinical assessment, social work interventions, family support and care coordination for adults with complex mental health needs.

You will collaborate with carers, community services and government agencies to support rehabilitation and reintegration, while mentoring students and junior staff.

Qualifications

• Must hold a tertiary qualification in Social Work.
• Eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration required.
• Minimum of three years' post-qualification clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality clinical assessment and social work interventions.
• Provide family support and care coordination for consumers with complex mental health needs.
• Collaborate with carers, community services and government agencies to support rehabilitation and community reintegration.
• Contribute to supervision and development of students and junior staff.

Education

Tertiary qualification in Social Work

Job description

Social Worker – Forensic Mental Health Services

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent
Classification: Health Professional Level 3 (PN 41042)
Salary: $111,639 - $120,057 (Plus 12.5% Super)
Location: Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, ACT
Section: Forensic Mental Health Services
Closing Date: 01 November 2026

What can we offer you:

Competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions within a tertiary hospital.

Salary Packaging with many options that provide full fringe benefits tax concessions.

Flexible working conditions

Access to Employee Assistance Program.

About the Role:

Forensic Mental Health Services is seeking an experienced and motivated Social Worker to join the multidisciplinary team at the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit (DMHU), a specialised 25-bed forensic mental health facility providing evidence-based, recovery-focused inpatient care.

Working under the direction of the Allied Health Manager, you will deliver high-quality clinical assessment, social work interventions, family support, and care coordination for consumers with complex mental health needs. You will work collaboratively with carers, community services, and government agencies to support rehabilitation, recovery, and successful community reintegration, while also contributing to the supervision and development of students and junior staff.

The successful applicant will have strong clinical judgement, excellent communication skills, and a sound understanding of mental health legislation and recovery-oriented practice. Experience working with people experiencing severe mental illness, trauma, substance use issues, psychosocial disadvantage, and forensic involvement will be highly regarded.

Applicants must hold a tertiary qualification in Social Work, be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), hold ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration, and have a minimum of three years' post-qualification clinical experience.

For further information, please contact Graham Twycross using the details provided in the advertisement.

Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:

Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.

Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.

Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.

***Please note applications submitted via an agency will not be accepted for this position***

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person centred care. It provides acute, sub-acute, primary and community‑based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding region. More information can be found on the CHS website.

Our Vision: creating exceptional health care together
Our Role: to be a health service that is trusted by our community
Our Values: Reliable, Progressive, Respectful and Kind

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Graham Twycross on (02) 5124 1*** or at ***************@act.gov.au