Aboriginal Social Worker: Emergency Department

Position Title: Aboriginal Social Worker: Emergency Department
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours per Week: 38 hours
Position Grade: Social Worker Level 1-2
Salary: $73,484 - $101,211 per annum (base)
Enterprise Agreement: The Named NSW (Non-Declared) Affiliated Health Organisations' Professional & Associated Staff Agreement 2022; Officer Agreement 2009
Department Name: Social Work

About Us:
St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing health services to our community. Guided by our values of compassion, excellence, integrity, and justice, we foster a culture of diversity and inclusion, empowering our staff to learn, grow, and innovate.

Benefits of Working at St Vincent’s:

• Generous salary packaging and Fitness Passport for eligible staff
• Access to a wide range of clinical and non-clinical education programmes
• Supported postgraduate opportunities within relevant fields
• Career development opportunities across the St Vincent’s Health Australia Network
• Employee Assistance Program
• Work/life balance

About the Role:
We are excited to offer a position within our dynamic team, focusing on delivering high-quality care to clients of the Social Work Department. The successful applicant will be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and be recognised as such by the community in which they live or have lived. This is a genuine occupational qualification as described under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

This role aligns with the Social Work Department’s commitment to the SVHN Sydney Aboriginal Health Plan. As an Emergency Department Social Worker (Level 1-2), you will provide social work services to patients and their families, collaborating with other healthcare professionals within St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney and external agencies. You will be part of the Emergency and ICU team, delivering comprehensive social work services within a multidisciplinary, seven-day service model. Your primary focus will be on patients and families presenting to the Emergency Department with significant psychosocial needs or following trauma.

Diversity and Inclusion at St Vincent's:
St Vincent's is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, and those who are sexuality or gender diverse, as well as those living with disabilities.

Employment with St Vincent’s is subject to having current immunity status that complies with the Occupational Assessment, Screening & Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases - NSW Health Policy Directive (PD2023_022) or subsequent revisions. Appointment and ongoing employment will be contingent upon continued compliance with this policy directive.

About You:
We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic social worker who is passionate about person-centred care. We welcome applications from candidates dedicated to collaborating closely with St Vincent’s Hospital staff, community organisations, and service providers. You will work full-time (38 hours per week) on a rotating seven-day roster, providing consultation, advocacy, clinical assessments, and counselling to patients, families, and caregivers. This position will also contribute clinical knowledge and skills to crisis management, patient flow, complex care, and discharge planning for vulnerable patients. The social worker will provide clinical support to colleagues as needed and offer consultation and education to team members and patients.

Application Instructions:
To be considered, please upload your current CV/Resume along with a separate cover letter addressing the selection criteria outlined below. Internal applicants (current employees of St Vincent’s Hospital or an entity of SVHA) should apply via their Workday account.

Employment with St Vincent’s is subject to compliance with the Occupational Assessment, Screening & Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases - NSW Health Policy Directive (PD2023_022) or subsequent revisions. Ongoing employment will be contingent upon continued adherence to this policy.
 

Selection Criteria:

1. Demonstrated personal integrity and commitment to the Philosophy, Mission, and Values of Mary Aikenhead Ministries and St Vincent’s Health Australia.
2. A degree in Social Work and eligibility for membership in the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), with clinical experience in a hospital or health-related field as a practising Social Worker, specifically of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. An applicant’s race is a genuine occupational qualification authorised by Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
3. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, as well as the health and welfare needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
4. Experience and skills in addressing issues such as domestic violence, child protection, victims of crime, trauma, homelessness, mental health crises, substance misuse, sudden death, and the coronial process.
5. Expertise in crisis intervention, short-term solution-focused approaches, grief and loss, trauma-informed care, and complex assessment and discharge planning in an acute health setting.
6. Proven ability to work in critical care environments as part of diverse multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating effective time management, liaison, negotiation, and communication skills.
7. Ability to contribute to research, projects, and quality education activities within social work services, utilising high-level oral, written communication, and negotiation skills.
8. Willingness to participate in a seven-day service, including the On Call Social Work service.

For more information and to apply please click here

Applications Close: 20 November 2024