Social Worker- Assertive Community Management-Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services

Join a supportive, dynamic team where your conversations can change lives and guide people toward recovery.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3
Remuneration: $116,892 - $120,680 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: James Fletcher Hospital
Requisition ID: REQ670218
Applications close: Sunday 28th June 2026


Where you'll be working
Be at the forefront of a dynamic workforce utilising innovative, evidence-based skills and interventions to professionally support people requesting assistance with alcohol and drug use. Our Assertive Community Management (ACM) team is based at James Fletcher Hospital - a truly rewarding workplace located just moments from Newcastle Beach and the CBD.
Here, you’ll work within a committed, collaborative team that takes a long-term, person-centred approach to reducing risks associated with alcohol and other drug use. We value innovation, wellbeing, and ongoing professional development as we support people through complex challenges. 

The opportunity
We are an inclusive and committed team where staff are encouraged to bring their whole self to work and are proud that our team is as diverse as the vibrant communities we support. Using innovative, evidence-based skills and interventions, you will professionally support individuals seeking assistance with alcohol and drug use. 
You will take a trauma-informed approach and provide respectful, person-centred care, tailored to individual’s needs. Central to your role will be employing an individualised, holistic approach to care, incorporating comprehensive care planning to address the diverse physical, emotional, and social aspects of each person’s journey. 

About you
As a Social Worker Level 3, you will play a key role in delivering holistic and evidence-based care to clients experiencing complex psychosocial issues. You will provide therapeutic interventions, health and education programs, and work closely with DACS services across the district in a consultative capacity. Your work will help people navigate difficult circumstances, build stability, and move toward positive change. 
To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful, supportive relationships while maintaining professional and ethical boundaries.
• Strong capability in delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions.
• A commitment to culturally competent and trauma-informed practice.
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team as well as autonomously.
   

You will be supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team, including the Psychosocial Services team, your Line Manager, and the DACS Allied Health Clinical team. Together, they provide clinical guidance, professional support, and opportunities for collaboration and development.

Requirements

1. Degree in Social Work from an accredited course providing eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) with a minimum of 3 years full time experience.
2. Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability to travel as required. 

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:

• 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 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 and temporary full-time vacancies.
• 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.
   

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

• Comprehensive understanding and/or social work experience in working with clients who present with complex comorbid drug and alcohol issues and an understanding of harm-reduction based approaches in working with substance use. 
• Demonstrated ability to independently problem-solve and apply professional and ethical boundaries when working with complex situations as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to lead planning and evaluation of team activities.
   

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 Kellie Collinson on Kellie.Collinson@health.nsw.gov.au