Social Worker Level 3 - Mental Health Inpatient Unit - Incentives Offered

Advance your career in mental health while making a real difference in a connected, supportive community.

Remuneration: $58.95 - $60.86 per hour + super + incentives
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3
Location: Manning Base Hospital, Taree
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ630556
Applications Close: Monday 12th January 2026

Where you'll be working
Located at Manning Base Hospital in the heart of Taree, the Manning Mental Health Inpatient Unit provides specialist care for people experiencing acute mental health challenges. You’ll join a passionate, multidisciplinary team committed to delivering compassionate, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally safe care.
This is a rewarding opportunity to work within a regional health service that truly values teamwork, clinical excellence, and professional development. Alongside a supportive workplace culture, you’ll enjoy the lifestyle benefits of the Mid North Coast — from a more relaxed pace of life and affordable housing to beautiful natural surroundings and coastal escapes.

What you'll be doing 
As a Level 3 Social Worker within the Manning Mental Health Inpatient Unit, you’ll play a key role in a collaborative multidisciplinary team, bringing a strong psychosocial perspective to assessment, care planning, and intervention.
Your work will focus on identifying and addressing psychosocial stressors, supporting culturally responsive and family-inclusive care, and providing expert input into complex matters such as family and domestic violence, child protection, and homelessness risk. You’ll also help strengthen continuity of care by connecting consumers with appropriate community services and supports, making a meaningful difference at critical points in their recovery journey.
You’ll be part of a small, close-knit team of Social Workers within the unit, supported by senior professional guidance from the community team. The role includes regular clinical supervision, a comprehensive orientation program, and access to ongoing education and professional development to support your growth and career progression.
This is an opportunity to build your career in mental health social work within a team that values compassion, collaboration, and holistic, person-centred care — where your expertise is valued and your contribution truly matters.

About you
You are a compassionate and capable Social Worker with a strong commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive practice. You bring experience in conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments and engaging respectfully with consumers, families, and carers.
You have a sound understanding of the complex impacts of mental illness on individuals and families and are confident working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders. Strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic clinical environment will see you thrive in this role.

Requirements 

• Bachelor in Social Work or equivalent with eligibility for membership with Australian Association of Social Work (AASW).

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. On top of this we also offer:

• Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.* 
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife 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

Additional Information

• * Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. Please note: if your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact HNELHD-RuralIncentives@health.nsw.gov.au. 
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa. 
• 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. 

How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

1. Demonstrated high level verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
2. Demonstrated ability to independently problem-solve and apply professional and ethical boundaries when working with complex situations as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
3. Demonstrated ability to meet the supervision needs of students and/or less experienced staff.