The Team:
The Social Work Service in North West Tasmania supports the multi-discipline inpatient discharge process at North West Regional Hospital and Mersey Community Hospital. Our outpatient and community teams provide hospital avoidance and wellness and reablement support to clients through Primary Health funded services and Commonwealth Home Support Services.
The Role:
As a member of the Social Work team, the incumbent will contribute to the development, provision, and evaluation of Social Work Services for individual clients in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Australian Association of Social Workers and the Code of Conduct of the Department of Health.
The Senior Social Worker - Discharge Planner functions as a clinical resource for hospital and community staff on issues and processes relating to admission, hospital stays and discharge planning, and will:
- Mentor and supervise Social Work staff and practices in accordance with current models, professional standards, and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Code of Ethics.
- Actively pursue patient centred Social Work interventions that aim to minimise the impact of prolonged acute hospital admission for clients in the North West.
- Tertiary Social Work qualification.
- Advanced communication and problem-solving skills.
- An understanding of, or the desire to obtain knowledge of, Aged Care pathways and processes
Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.
Why Tasmania:
The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals across the state, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. Additionally, it provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.
Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.
Details of appointment:
Fixed term part time, day worker (with on call) position, working up to 60.8 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible until 13 February 2026.
Note: Position features are:
- The occupant will be required to work onsite and travel between other Department of Health sites
- Participating in a weekend oncall roster as required
*notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.
Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.
Salary: $110,245 to $121,907 pro rata per annum. Our Employer 11.5% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.
- Salary range is in accordance with Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement 2022
Salary Packaging:
You’ll have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible.
Allowances:
- Please note that access to salaries beyond $119,290 is subject to qualifications and/or application to the personal upgrade scheme
In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available:
- Professional Development Allowance of up to $1000 per annum
Benefits available to eligible candidates:
- Travel and relocation assistance support available up to $10,000 for appointees from interstate.
- Professional development and accelerated pathways.
- A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
- Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $13.95 per week per person, or $25.95 for a family.
Eligibility:
Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.
-
Tertiary qualification/program of study approved by the Australian Association of Social Workers
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Eligible for membership with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
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Overseas qualified Social Work candidates require a certificate of eligibility letter from the AASW to confirm their eligibility for membership to the AASW
Or where regulatory requirements exist, NDIS Q&S Commission Provider Registration Requirements
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Full member of Australian Association of Social Workers
Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:
Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.
Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents
We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.
Statement of Duties:
Application Guide:
How to apply:
Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.
You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.
For more information:
Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.
Name: Barbara Batten
Position: Manager Social Work
Phone number: 03) 6493 6278
Email address: barbara.batten@ths.tas.gov.au
What it is like working at the Department of Health?
Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellent are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!
Make It Tasmania | Move for a great lifestyle
One Health Podcast - Spotify
One Health Podcast - Apple
Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian
Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.