Paediatric Social Worker - Intensive Care Unit
Bring compassion and resilience to a dynamic social work role in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Remuneration: $56.69 - $58.52 Per Hour + Super + Salary Packaging
Location: John Hunter Children’s Hospital
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3
Hours Per Week: 16
Requisition ID: REQ568171
Applications close: Sunday 18/05/2025
Where you'll be working:
Join the Social Work team at John Hunter Children’s Hospital—a leading paediatric facility within the John Hunter Health Campus in Newcastle. You’ll work within the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), providing critical support to children and families during their most vulnerable moments.
You’ll be part of a passionate and knowledgeable team of social workers committed to delivering high-quality, trauma-informed care. The team fosters collaboration through regular meetings, safety huddles and open communication, and is known for being welcoming, experienced and generous in sharing their knowledge and support.
About the role:
In this fast-paced and emotionally rewarding PICU social work role, no two days are the same. You’ll:
- Conduct psychosocial assessments and therapeutic interventions
- Provide crisis intervention and urgent family support
- Collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary care team
- Support care planning, discharge coordination and documentation
- Contribute to child protection matters, mandatory reporting and staff debriefing
- Participate in education and supervision sessions
This role is suited to a clinician with a strong foundation in hospital social work and the capacity to provide steady, compassionate care during critical situations.
About you:
You are a dedicated social worker who thrives under pressure and is committed to child and family-centred care. We’re looking for someone with:
- Strong clinical social work experience in hospital or high-acuity settings
- Deep emotional resilience and self-awareness
- Knowledge of child protection frameworks and mandatory reporting obligations
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
- A collaborative approach and calm demeanour under pressure
- A commitment to trauma-informed and culturally safe care, especially with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications in Social Work
- Eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- Demonstrated experience in providing social work services in acute or critical care environments
- Understanding of paediatric care contexts is highly desirable
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. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- Proximity to shopping and other services
- Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
- 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
- Access to team-led orientation, monthly education sessions, paediatric grand rounds, Schwartz rounds, and internal and external training opportunities
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 Alicia Tremain on Alicia.Tremain@health.nsw.gov.au
Additional Information:
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and 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.
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
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 Rebecca.Caldwell@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
