Social Worker Violence, Abuse and Neglect Level 3

Join us and turn your passion into powerful community impact.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Social Worker, Abuse & Neglect Level 3
Remuneration: $56.68 - $58.52 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging 
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ604882
Location: Muswellbrook Community Health Service
Applications Close: Monday 13th October 2025

Where you'll be working:
This position is based at the Muswellbrook Community Health Service and is part of the Upper Hunter Social Work team. Our team is small, collaborative, and supportive, comprising Social Workers and an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of skills and knowledge. We are a close-knit group committed to delivering a high-quality and well-regarded social work service to the Hunter Valley district.
The VAN Social Worker (SW) role covers the Hunter Valley area, including Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone, and surrounding remote communities. This diverse and highly respected position involves direct clinical work with clients, as well as providing consultation, education, collaboration, and support to the social work team, multidisciplinary teams, health services, interagency partners, and other key stakeholders. Additionally, the role is responsible for delivering key training and education to staff and representing the Hunter Valley in relevant networks and meetings.

What you'll be doing:
Key tasks, roles, and responsibilities include representing the Hunter Valley Social Work service in networks and meetings, such as SAM, Safe Start, and VAN clinical leads forums. You will actively participate in collaborative multidisciplinary team (MDT) services, including Safe Start and SAM, across the Hunter Valley district.
The role involves providing consultation, education, and support to colleagues, MDT members, and other services both within and outside NSW Health. You will offer clinical guidance and support to the Social Work team regarding VAN-related issues and presentations.
Direct clinical social work interventions for VAN presentations will be provided in the Hospital and Emergency Departments at Scone, Muswellbrook, and Singleton Hospitals as required. Additionally, Muswellbrook and Quirindi Hospitals have access to a pilot After Hours VAN Telehealth Crisis service, offering consultation, assessment, intervention, and support to their Emergency Departments for VAN presentations.
The applicant will report directly to the Social Work Head of Discipline based at Muswellbrook and work closely with the Social Work team. Additional support will be provided by the VAN Integration Coordinator and the VAN Professional Lead. Extensive training opportunities are available, including programs on SAM, Safe Start, domestic and family violence (DFV), child protection, DVRS, and access to a broad range of education and training through MHL, ECAV, the VAN stream, and relevant professional networks.
This service is staffed by senior Social Workers on a tiered roster system. The Muswellbrook VAN Social Worker will be involved in this innovative service and have the opportunity to participate in rostered shifts, contributing to this valued team.

About you:
Work collaboratively with Violence, Abuse, and Neglect (VAN) clinicians and local psychosocial health staff in the Hunter Valley Sector to support children, young people, and adults presenting with suspected or confirmed physical and psychological harm, neglect, or exposure to domestic or family violence. This partnership will develop through networking, collaboration, and experience.
Demonstrate advanced skills in psychosocial assessment, trauma-informed response, and intervention to coordinate health responses for those impacted by violence, abuse, and neglect. Act as a consultant within the Hunter Valley sector, providing advice and support for VAN cases, further developing this role through collaboration.
Assist in delivering child protection and domestic violence screening training to health staff, including in-service sessions. Apply thorough knowledge of legislation related to child abuse, neglect, and family violence, supporting staff to meet mandatory reporting requirements under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act NSW 1998.
Support managers representing Health services at Safety Action Meetings under the NSW Safer Pathway initiative by providing consultation on domestic and family violence. Attend local Sector Safe Start Meetings to advise on case planning and service referrals, working closely with social work leadership.
Demonstrate cultural competence in serving Aboriginal children, young people, and families, in alignment with HNE Health’s Closing the Gap strategy, developing this through ongoing training and collaboration with Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers.
Participate in the Muswellbrook and Quirindi Hospitals’ After Hours VAN Telehealth Crisis Service, coordinating forensic, medical, and psychosocial responses to VAN presentations including sexual assault and domestic violence. Model workplace behaviours consistent with HNE Health Values and NSW Health Code of Conduct, promoting cultural respect and excellence in care.

Requirements:

• Relevant qualifications and experience as per Award Classification including or equivalent including a Bachelor degree in Social Work with eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and/or other qualification deemed relevant by the employer.

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
• 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

 
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/job share arrangements may also be considered.
• 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. 
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.  
•  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. 

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 Amanda Ing on Amanda.Ing@health.nsw.gov.au