Youth Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services (YDACS) Social Worker - Targeted

If you are passionate about youth health, value teamwork, and want to work in a supportive and scenic environment, we encourage you to apply. Employment Type: Permanent Part Time Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/2 Remuneration: $38.51 - $54.94 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging Hours Per Week: 14 Requisition ID: REQ635007 Location: James Fletcher Hospital | Awabakal Country Applications Close: Sunday 15th February 2026 Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion. Where you'll be working Join our Youth Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services (YDACS) team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The successful candidate will become a valued member of a supportive, multidisciplinary team committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. Based at the James Fletcher Hospital Campus in Newcastle, you’ll enjoy a work location just a stone’s throw from Newcastle Beach. Whether it’s a lunchtime walk along the Shortland Esplanade or simply soaking up the ocean views, this is a workplace that offers both professional fulfilment and lifestyle balance. About The Role In this role, you will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to support young people experiencing substance use, mental health, and broader psychosocial challenges. A typical day may include: Conducting comprehensive assessments addressing substance use, mental health, overall wellbeing, and psychosocial factorsContributing to case formulations and the development of evidence-based management plansIdentifying and responding to child protection concerns in line with legislative and organisational requirementsDelivering care professionally, ethically, and through a strong cultural lensWorking closely with allied health clinicians and other service providers to support optimal patient outcomes About You To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate: Strong communication and interpersonal skillsThe ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary teamExcellent time management and organisational skillsA clear understanding of ethical practice and professional boundariesA commitment to meeting all role responsibilities and delivering high-quality care Why join us? You will be well supported in this role, with guidance and supervision from your Line Manager, the DACS General Manager, DACS Aboriginal Manager, Allied Health Lead, and experienced colleagues. Comprehensive orientation is provided upon commencement, and ongoing professional development is not only supported but actively encouraged. Requirements Must hold a degree in Social Work which provides eligibility or membership association.Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes which may involve driving long distances. 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. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day: Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero Proximity to shopping and other services 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 familyEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members Additional Information An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part 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. Hunter New England Health 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 well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse. Need more information? Click here for the Position Description 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. Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23. At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support. 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