Social Worker Level 1 / 2

NSW Government; Sydney; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Government is seeking a Social Worker Level 1/2 to provide inpatient social work services at Cumberland Hospital, part of Western Sydney Local Health District, North Parramatta. The role emphasises trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

This temporary full-time position (up to 9 June 2027) offers a structured pathway to impact patient recovery, with hours of 38 per week and an hourly rate of $40.05–$57.14. Applications close November 3, 2026.

Qualifications

• Degree in social work and eligibility for membership of the AASW.
• Experience or understanding of working with consumers with an acute mental illness.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act 2007 and related registration.
• Strong written and verbal communication and report writing skills.
• Commitment to a consumer-focused recovery and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Assess and intervene: psychosocial assessments addressing social, financial and family needs.
• Coordinate complex discharge planning with consumers, families, carers, multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.
• Advocate and empower: psychoeducation, family conferences, informed participation in treatment and navigation of relevant processes.
• Collaborate and improve: contribute to multidisciplinary care planning and quality improvement initiatives.
• Uphold professional standards: accurate documentation and culturally safe services.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Problem solving

Negotiation

Quality improvement

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Social Work

AASW eligibility

Job description

Make a meaningful impact on mental health recovery and wellbeing

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver person-centred care

Grow your career with Western Sydney Local Health District

Use your social work expertise to empower recovery, advocate for consumers and deliver trauma-informed mental health care at Cumberland Hospital.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (up to 9th June 2027)

Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1 / 2

Remuneration: $40.05 - $57.14 per hour

Hours Per Week: 38

Location: Cumberland

Where you'll be working

Join Cumberland Hospital, part of Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), in North Parramatta, and contribute to one of Australia's most established mental health services. As NSW's largest and Australia's oldest mental health facility, Cumberland Hospital supports local and broader communities through a comprehensive range of mental health services, from primary to tertiary care.

Be part of a collaborative, values-driven environment where innovation, respect, empowerment and quality care shape the way we work. With the development of a major new Integrated Mental Health Complex at Westmead, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to the future of mental health care in Western Sydney.

• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team supporting people with chronic and persistent mental illness and complex psychosocial needs.
• Join a service committed to recovery-oriented, culturally responsive and trauma-informed practice.
• Build strong partnerships with consumers, families, carers and community service providers.
• Contribute to service improvement and innovative approaches that enhance patient outcomes.
• Develop your professional capabilities within a health district that values collaboration, continuous learning and high-quality care.

What you'll be doing

As a Social Worker Level 1/2 within Mental Health Services, you'll deliver comprehensive inpatient social work services across subacute and non-acute mental health settings. Applying a whole-person and life-course approach, you'll help consumers navigate complex social circumstances, strengthen support networks and participate meaningfully in their treatment and recovery.

You'll draw on your assessment, advocacy and care coordination skills to support safe, effective and person-centred care.

• Assess and intervene: Conduct psychosocial assessments addressing consumers' social, financial, family and broader support needs, and develop appropriate interventions.
• Coordinate complex discharge planning: Work with consumers, families, carers, multidisciplinary teams and external agencies to support continuity of care and successful transitions from hospital.
• Advocate and empower: Deliver patient and family psychoeducation, facilitate family conferences, support informed participation in treatment and help consumers navigate relevant mental health and guardianship processes.
• Collaborate and improve: Contribute to multidisciplinary care planning, clinical discussions, service networks and quality improvement initiatives that strengthen mental health service delivery.
• Uphold professional standards: Maintain accurate clinical documentation, provide culturally safe and accessible services, and practise in accordance with relevant legislation, professional ethics and WSLHD policies.

Essential Requirements

Qualification: Degree in Social Work and eligibility for membership in AASW

Selection Criteria

• Degree in social work and eligibility for membership of the AASW
• Demonstrated experience or understanding of working with consumers with an acute mental illness or disorder
• Understanding of mental health act 2007 and related registration
• Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication skill including report writing skill, interpersonal skill provide timely and relevant advice, negotiate and problem solve.
• Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to a consumer focused recovery-oriented approach and Trauma Informed Care
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and as a collaborative member of multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated evidence or commitment to quality improvement activities and evidence based practices
• Current drivers licence valid within Australia

Requisition ID: REQ694412

Applications Close: 3rd November 2026

Need more information?

• Review the detailed Position Description for insights into role requirements and criteria.
• Explore the selection process, employment checks, outcomes and notifications.
• For inquiries about the role, contact Victor Syquia, Department Head of Social Work on 0427 124 862 or [e-mail]

People with disabilities who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; and where required, WSLHD will implement reasonable adjustment consistent with industry standard.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles in NSW Health organisations. For more information, please visit https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/ .

Please note: A person who is not an Australian citizen or a permanent resident is only eligible for temporary employment for a period not longer than the duration of their current visa or a period not shorter than the duration of the advertised position.