Social Worker Level 3 - Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Services
Help parents and babies thrive by delivering specialist, trauma-informed alcohol and other drug care within a supportive multidisciplinary team.
Remuneration: $61 - $63 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: James Fletcher Hospital
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ672125
Applications Close: Monday 20th July 2026
Where you'll be working
The Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Service (SUPPS) is a specialist community-based alcohol and other drug service supporting people experiencing substance use challenges during pregnancy or while parenting a child under two years of age.
SUPPS is a multidisciplinary team of experienced Midwives, Registered Nurses and Social Workers who provide evidence-based care across pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting, child development and attachment. Working together, the team delivers high-quality clinical care, programs and support with a focus on harm minimisation, healthy family functioning, child development and strengthening parenting skills. Using a trauma-informed approach, SUPPS builds on family strengths while addressing the risks associated with substance use during pregnancy and early parenting.
About the role
As part of this multidisciplinary team, you will provide assessment and treatment for pregnant people and parents experiencing substance use challenges. Your work will include early identification and engagement, comprehensive alcohol and other drug assessments, brief interventions, psychoeducation, harm minimisation, support to reduce substance use and achieve individual goals, referrals to services such as antenatal care, and facilitating review by an Addiction Medicine Specialist when required.
SUPPS provides care across a range of settings, including centre-based appointments, in-reach to local hospitals and home visits. You'll deliver holistic, harm minimisation-focused care while supporting women and their children through the complex challenges associated with substance use.
About you
You will bring extensive clinical experience working therapeutically with people experiencing complex presentations, including problematic substance use, complex trauma, child protection concerns, child development issues, domestic and family violence, grief and loss, family functioning challenges and mental health concerns.
You will have a strong understanding of child protection legislation and policy, with the ability to apply professional and ethical boundaries when managing complex situations. You'll also have outstanding interpersonal skills, sound clinical judgement and the ability to think critically and respond effectively as challenges arise.
Requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications in Social Work with evidence of extensive clinical experience in a hospital or health field as a practicing Social Worker at Level 3 or above (drug and alcohol experience advantageous) and membership (or eligibility) with the Australian Association Social Workers (AASW).
- Eligibility to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes.
What we offer
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
- Proximity to shopping and other services
- Salary packaging options
- Fitness Passport
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.
- Extensive clinical experience in working therapeutically with complex client presentations including problematic substance use, complex trauma, child protection, child development, domestic and family violence, grief and loss, family functioning and mental health.
- Demonstrated ability to use a strengths-based, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach, having a comprehensive understanding and/ or demonstrated social work experience in the social, emotional and cultural needs of clients with Drug and Alcohol issues, including clinical response and care planning.
- Demonstrated high level verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, and ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
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 Tara Checkley on Tara.Checkley@health.nsw.gov.au
Information for Applicants:
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.
