Social Worker - virtual Drug & Alcohol

NSW Health; Orange City Council; On-site; AUD 79,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Health in Western NSW is seeking a Social Worker to join the Virtual Drug & Alcohol Team. This permanent Full Time role delivers assessment, counselling, care coordination and therapeutic interventions via virtual service platforms to diverse clients across Western NSW.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team with trauma-informed, recovery-focused care, contributing to service development and quality improvement while helping people address substance use and improve health and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Assessment, counselling, care coordination and therapeutic interventions via virtual service platforms.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team delivering person-centred, trauma-informed and recovery-focused care.
• Support service development and quality improvement initiatives to enhance consumer care.

Job description

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/ 2
Remuneration: $79,419.00 - $113,301.00 pa (+ superannuation + salary packaging options)
Location: Negotiable within Western NSW LHD– Find out more
Hours Per Week: 38
Applications Close: 18 November 2026 – 11:59pm

About the role
Help transform lives through accessible, innovative and evidence-based drug and alcohol care. An exciting opportunity exists for a Social Worker to join the Virtual Drug & Alcohol Team, delivering specialised support to individuals, families and communities across Western NSW. This rewarding role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping people address substance use challenges and achieve positive health and wellbeing outcomes, regardless of their location.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, the Social Worker delivers comprehensive assessment, counselling, care coordination and therapeutic interventions through virtual service platforms. The role supports consumers across a range of presentations, providing person-centred, trauma-informed and recovery-focused care while working collaboratively with families, carers and other healthcare providers.

The position is ideally suited to a motivated and compassionate clinician who is passionate about improving access to drug and alcohol services in rural and remote communities. Strong engagement and communication skills, sound clinical judgement and the ability to build therapeutic relationships in a virtual environment are essential. The successful candidate will also contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives that enhance consumer care and strengthen service delivery.

As part of an innovative virtual model of care, this role offers the opportunity to work with diverse consumers, utilise contemporary digital health solutions and support equitable access to specialist drug and alcohol services across Western NSW. The position combines professional challenge, clinical variety and the satisfaction of helping people achieve lasting recovery and improved quality of life.

If you're a skilled Social Worker looking to make a real difference through innovative virtual care and join a team dedicated to supporting recovery, resilience and healthier communities across Western NSW.

Helping you Move to Western NSW
The Welcome Experience is a free NSW Government service supporting workers (and their families) who have accepted a job with Western NSW LHD in most locations. The service helps with housing, schooling, partner work and community connections. Find out more at The Welcome Experience

A career with Western NSW means you can challenge yourself, make an impact and shape the future of rural health. To explore the benefits of a career in our Local Health District, visit the WNSWLHD website.

Role-related enquiries: Please contact Scott Thompson on 02 6369 2*** or at ***************@health.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Additional information for applicants:

All suitably qualified Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply for this position. This is a targeted position under GSE Rule 26. Where possible, affirmative action will be applied to support employment of eligible persons.

This recruitment may be used to create an Eligibility List for similar roles in the future (ongoing or temporary).

Western NSW LHD can provide reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Applicants who provide information on an injury, health condition, or disability in their pre-employment forms will receive a functional assessment from our Risk Management Unit (RMU). This review will consider the applicant’s needs and what reasonable adjustments and workplace supports are available to support their employment journey.

Western NSW LHD is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care. All staff in WNSWLHD are required to provide a safe and supportive environment for children, while working to protect them from harm and abuse. For more information on the Child Safety Standards, visit: NSW Government - Office of Children's Guardian

Western NSW is committed to creating a safe and accessible workplace that promotes diversity, inclusion and belonging. As a vibrant and diverse region, rich in community and culture, we welcome applications from all people to build a respectful workplace dedicated to delivering the best health outcomes for our community.

To find out more about the remuneration and conditions, visit NSW Public Health System Awards

For more information, visit a Guide to Employment with WNSWLHD

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