Social Worker Level 3 - Community Palliative Care
Help deliver outcomes that matter most to our Illawarra Shoalhaven community.
$58.95 - $65.35 per hour + 12% super & salary packaging | Temporary Part time 8 hours per week until 22 November 2026 | Ambulatory & Primary Health Care Office, Warrawong | REQ630012 | Grade: Social Worker Level 3 | Applications close: 11 January 2026
Join us in shaping healthier futures. Together we can do more.
Provide specialist Social Work service to patients, clients, consumers and their family/carers to ensure the provision of optimal health outcomes consistent with ISLHD policies, procedures, standards, relevant legislation, and the NSW Health Code of Conduct. This position provides the above Social Work service to the Palliative Care Service.
The senior social worker is a designated palliative care specialist in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. This position is responsible for the provision of social work services to palliative care patients, both in the community and in the palliative care inpatient setting, as part of a multidisciplinary palliative care team. The social worker will provide an active role in the care coordination of patients to promote timely access and facilitate integration of social work palliative care services across a variety of settings.
The senior social worker is responsible for a clinical caseload of patients with complex needs who are approaching or reaching the end of their life, including malignant and non-malignant conditions. This may include specialised psychosocial skills in assessing and assisting the management of patients and families with progressive conditions and assisting the patient to receive end of life care in their place of choice, requiring advanced clinical reasoning and interpersonal skills. This will also include follow-up counselling to families who require psychosocial assistance for a short period following the death of the relative.
The senior social worker will provide consultative advice to other departmental social workers and social work students across the ISLHD, addressing the special needs of palliative care patients and their families/carers.
For more information and to view the position classification, see the Position Description here.
A little about us.
From Helensburgh in the north to North Durras in the south, ISLHD covers an area of 5,687 square kms. That’s 5,687 square kms of beautiful beaches, coastal cycling tracks, lush rainforests, incredible bushwalks and friendly people. The region is also host to many annual food, wine and arts festivals and events.
Located on Dharawal and Yuin Country, ISLHD operate seven hospital sites, employ over 8,500 staff and provide community health services across 58 locations. Commute times are short, childcare and schooling options are plentiful, and Sydney and Canberra are close by.
Benefits of working with ISLHD.
We understand that balancing career aspirations with the demand of the everyday, as well as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, can be a challenge. To help with this, we offer a range of benefits which include:
- Allocated Days Off (ADO) - once a month take a paid day off (eligible full-time employees)
- Salary packaging - less tax and more take-home pay
- Novated leasing - lease a car and pay for all running costs out of your pre-taxed salary (eligible full-time employees)
- Fitness Passport - discounted gym membership that both you and your family can enjoy (eligible employees)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free confidential and professional assistance for staff and their families
- Career progression, professional development and secondment opportunities
Apply now by reading the Position Description, then, using our online portal, submit a resume and answer the selection criteria within the application. In addition, please note you must have the following essential requirements:
- Applicable vaccination requirements for a Category A role.
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- Social Work degree and eligibility for the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- Valid NSW Drivers Licence
This is a temporary leave relief position until 22 November 2026 with the possibility of extension.
ISLHD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
ISLHD 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 wellbeing of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
Need more information or help applying?
- Visit the ISLHD website for application tips, to learn more about ISLHD and other important application information.
- Visit the Stepping Up website here. Stepping Up supports Aboriginal people to navigate the recruitment process and find a career or employment in NSW Health.
- Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
- For role-related queries or help applying, contact Anna Fulford on Anna.Fulford@health.nsw.gov.au
