Social Worker Level 3 - Newcastle Joint Child Protection Program

 
Join a dedicated team protecting children and families—your expertise can change lives.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Social Worker 
Remuneration: $116,892 - $120,680 + super + salary packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ643406
Location: Newcastle, Honeysuckle
Applications Close: Sunday 15 March 2026


This is a Level 3 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 3 applicants, applications from Level 1 and 2 will be considered. The selection criteria reflects the requirements for a Level 3 applicant. Responses from Level 1 or 2 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to the same criteria and their ability to work towards Level 3. The expected performance of the incumbent will be commensurate with his/her years of experience and current level at commencement of appointment. The incumbent will work towards meeting the criteria for Level 3. 


Make a Real Difference in Child Protection

The Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) delivers a coordinated, trauma-informed response to children and young people at risk of significant harm due to sexual assault, serious physical abuse, or extreme neglect.

This unique, multidisciplinary program brings Health, Police, and DCJ together to provide timely, effective protection and therapeutic care for vulnerable children and families.


About the Role

• As part of the JCPRP team within the Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN) network for Hunter New England, you will:

• Provide specialist psycho-social assessment and therapeutic intervention

• Work collaboratively with Police and DCJ in complex child protection matters

• Support children, young people, and families experiencing trauma

• Contribute to coordinated interagency responses

• Maintain high-quality clinical documentation and case management

• You’ll be based in the vibrant Honeysuckle precinct of Newcastle and supported by experienced Senior Health Clinicians and leaders.

Why Join Us?

• We invest in your growth and wellbeing:

• Structured local orientation and onboarding

• Individual clinical supervision (via ECAV)

• Group supervision and case review forums

• Joint interagency JCPRP training

• Funded internal and external professional development

• Access to HNE Health education programs and eLearning

• Opportunities to contribute to research, service development, and quality improvement

• Strong managerial support and access to senior leadership ensure you’re never working in isolation.

About You

• You are a confident, compassionate clinician who brings:

• Advanced assessment and intervention skills with children and families affected by trauma

• Experience working in complex, sensitive child protection environments

• Ability to exercise independent professional judgement

• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multi-agency settings

• Commitment to trauma-informed, person-centred, and culturally safe practice

• High ethical standards, professionalism, and excellent documentation skills

• A sound understanding of Aboriginal health priorities and respect for cultural diversity is essential.
  
   

Requirements 

• Eligibility to drive in NSW.
• Must hold as a minimum a bachelor degree in social work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer 
• Minimum of 3 years full-time experience of trauma informed interventions with children/young people and their parents/ guardian and family.
   

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 
• 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 
   
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full time or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies. 
• This position is full time; however, part time arrangements may 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 Kylie Carey on Kylie.Carey@health.nsw.gov.au


Information for Applicants: 

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. 

Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn!