Social Worker Child and Family Services

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time Until August 2026
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3
Remuneration: $116,892.00 - $120,680.00 + Super + Salary Packaging 
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ622171
Closing Date: Thursday 4th December 

Family Support Counsellor – Perinatal & Early Parenting

Part-time | 3 weekday shifts (no weekends or public holidays)

We’re a positive, tight-knit team that values connection, collaboration, and genuine care. Our workplace is one where people feel supported—whether we’re celebrating birthdays, joining community events, or catching up informally to check in on one another. There’s a real sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the day-to-day work.

We are currently seeking a dedicated Family Support Counsellor to work closely with our Child Health Nurses and provide specialist support to families with newborn infants. This role plays a key part in helping parents navigate early parenthood and addressing a range of complex psycho-social and emotional needs.

About The Role:
In this role, you will support clients experiencing:

• Postnatal mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression
• Adjustment to parenting and the transition to new family dynamics
• Challenges related to healthy relationships, domestic violence, and child protection
• Birth-related trauma

Grief and loss connected to pregnancy, birth, or early parenting 

What We are Looking For

• Thrives in a supportive team environment but is equally confident working independently
• Can manage competing priorities with strong organisational and time management skills
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with a diverse range of people—from families and children to medical professionals and community agencies
• Brings warmth, approachability, and a commitment to equity, dignity, and inclusion in all aspects of their work

Why join us?

• A supportive and friendly team culture
• Meaningful work that strengthens families during a pivotal life stage
• Work-life balance with no weekend or public holiday shifts
• Regular supervision and opportunities for professional connection and growth
• If you’re passionate about supporting families during the early stages of parenthood and want to be part of a team that truly values people, we’d love to hear from you.

What we can offer you
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day: 

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero

• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Work life balance
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Additional Information 

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
• This position is full time; however, part time arrangements will be considered.
• 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. 
• 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.   

Need more information? 
  1) Click here for the Position Description 
  2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Meredith Harper on Meredith.Harper@health.nsw.gov.au

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 HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au  for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process. 

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.  
 
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