Social Worker Level 4 - Mental Health & Substance Use Service

Hunter New England Local Health District; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 132,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

12% Superannuation

Job summary

Hunter New England Local Health District is seeking a Senior Social Worker to lead clinically in recovery-focused care for adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges. The role includes expert clinical consultations, assessments, education, and leadership across inpatient and community settings.

This temporary full-time position offers impactful work, opportunities for professional development and involvement in district-wide quality improvement initiatives within Mater

Qualifications

• Must hold as a minimum a bachelor degree in social work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-reach assessments across Mental Health Centre inpatient units.
• Deliver therapeutic programs to consumers.
• Provide clinical guidance to strengthen outcomes for consumers and their support networks.
• Contribute to education and quality improvement projects and to service-wide initiatives.

Skills

Advanced clinical expertise

Leadership capabilities

Family inclusion

Consultation

Education

Education

Bachelor degree in social work

Job description

Lead with expertise as our Senior Social Worker, championing recovery-focused care, family inclusion and clinical excellence across mental health and substance use services!

Remuneration: $131,585 - $134,775 Per Annum + 12% Super + Salary Packaging

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until May 2027

Position Classification: Social Worker Lvl 4

Hours Per Week: 38

Location: Mater Mental Health Centre Waratah

Requisition ID: REQ697553

Applications Close: Monday 26th October 2026

About The Role

Step into a rewarding opportunity as a Senior Social Worker, where your advanced clinical expertise, leadership capabilities and passion for person-centred care will make a meaningful difference for adults experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges, alongside their families and carers. In this dynamic specialist role, you will provide expert clinical consultation, assessment, education and leadership, while championing service excellence and continuous quality improvement. Your responsibilities will include conducting in-reach assessments across Mental Health Centre inpatient units, delivering therapeutic programs and providing clinical guidance to strengthen outcomes for consumers and their support networks. Beyond your direct clinical practice, you will have the opportunity to influence broader district-wide initiatives, contribute to education and quality improvement projects, and help shape the delivery of integrated, evidence-based care. This is an exciting opportunity to expand your specialist knowledge, strengthen your leadership skills and make a lasting impact within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment. You will be supported by the Service Manager, Staff Specialist and experienced senior clinicians, with a comprehensive orientation to our model of care, access to individual and group supervision, and opportunities for ongoing professional development to help you thrive in this specialist leadership role.

Where You’ll Be Working

MHSUS delivers specialised, comprehensive care for adults experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Through a combination of thorough assessments, centre-based programs, clinical consultation and coordinated care, our service is committed to supporting consumers on their journey towards recovery and improved wellbeing. Grounded in evidence-based practice, our approach integrates tailored treatment strategies, stages of change and motivational interviewing to empower consumers to make meaningful, lasting progress. Our team provides holistic, community-based support through group facilitation, psychoeducation, relapse prevention, ongoing clinical reviews and collaboration with external support services, ensuring care is responsive to each consumer’s individual needs and recovery goals.

What We Can Offer You

At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.

• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Ongoing professional development opportunities across the administrative network
• Career progression opportunities within NSW Health
• Annual leave and paid parental leave for eligible employees
• Salary packaging options to increase take-home pay
• Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support wellbeing

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via [e-mail] or 1300 40 25 23.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

Essential Requirements

• Must hold as a minimum a bachelor degree in social work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer.

Additional Information

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
• Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
• At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact [e-mail] for confidential support.
• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.