At a Glance
- Tasks: Support first-time parents and strengthen parent-infant relationships through clinical expertise.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at the First Steps Parenting Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, salary packaging, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on trauma-informed care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives during critical early parenting stages.
- Qualifications: Social Work degree and experience with vulnerable families required.
The predicted salary is between 40 - 50 £ per hour.
Use your clinical expertise to strengthen parent–infant relationships when it matters most.
Location: Wallsend
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until July 2027
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3
Remuneration: $60.86 per hour + 12% super + salary packaging
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ641703
Applications Close: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Make a lasting difference at the very beginning. The Program of Initial Parenting Support (PIPS) sits within the First Steps Parenting Centre, a specialist service dedicated to walking alongside first-time parents during one of life's most significant transitions.
This Level 3 Social Work role partners closely with a Child and Family Health Nurse to deliver high-quality, evidence-based clinical care and case management to families navigating complex and intersecting challenges. These may include adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), maternal and infant mental health concerns, developmental delay, drug and alcohol issues, unsupported adolescent parenting, domestic and family violence, childhood trauma, or past DCJ involvement.
This is meaningful, relationship-based work at the earliest stage of a child's life - where skilled intervention can positively shape long-term outcomes for both parent and infant.
About The Service
The PIPS service provides specialised, trauma-informed, parent–infant focused support to vulnerable first-time families. We work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary framework and maintain strong partnerships with community providers to ensure seamless, wrap-around care. The PIPS program focuses on strengthening parent–infant attachment, improving parental confidence, and supporting families to safely navigate complex systems - always with a strengths-based, culturally responsive approach.
You will join a highly skilled, supportive team that values reflective practice, clinical excellence and genuine compassion.
About The Role
As a Level 3 Social Worker, you will:
- Provide advanced clinical assessment, counselling and case management to families experiencing complex vulnerabilities and child protection concerns
- Work both independently and collaboratively, exercising professional judgement in high-intensity situations
- Deliver evidence-based parenting interventions within a maternal and infant mental health framework
- Contribute to and facilitate therapeutic group programs such as Circle of Security, postnatal depression and anxiety groups, and toddler behaviour programs
- Support continuity of care through strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and community partners
- Mentor students and less experienced staff, contributing to professional growth within the team
This role offers autonomy, clinical depth, and the opportunity to practice at an advanced level while remaining connected to a supportive team environment.
About You
You are a confident and compassionate clinician who thrives in complex practice environments. You bring:
- A recognised Social Work qualification with eligibility for AASW membership and at least three years' full-time clinical experience
- Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable families, particularly those with child protection involvement
- Strong clinical skills in maternal and infant mental health and working with families of children aged 0–5
- Experience delivering parenting interventions and facilitating therapeutic group programs
- The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining professional boundaries and emotional resilience
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt your approach to diverse families and stakeholders
Most importantly, you bring warmth, curiosity and a genuine commitment to strengthening families at the very beginning of their parenting journey.
Why Join Us?
Work in a specialist early intervention service where your expertise truly matters. Be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary and highly experienced team. Engage in meaningful, preventative work that creates lifelong impact. Contribute to service development, planning and evaluation.
If you're passionate about trauma-informed, parent–infant focused practice and want to make a difference where it matters most - we would love to hear from you.
Requirements
Must hold as a minimum a bachelor degree in social work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer. Eligibility to drive in NSW and a willingness to travel.
What We Offer
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), 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
- Salary packaging options
- Fitness Passport
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
- Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals
Additional Information
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. An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies. 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.
- 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 knowledge and experience providing parenting interventions to vulnerable parents within the context of parent and infant mental health and adjusting to parenthood; and demonstrate the ability to prioritise this caseload.
Need more information? Click here for the Position Description. Find out more about applying for this position. For role related queries or questions contact Susan Darby on.
Information For Applicants
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description. For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: 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.
Social Worker in Wallsend employer: Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD)
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our Social Workers in making a meaningful impact on families during critical early parenting stages. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development, while our commitment to sustainable healthcare ensures you are part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to enriching lives in beautiful locations like Wallsend.
Contact Details:
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker in Wallsend
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker in Wallsend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD). Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD). We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD)
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Social Worker role at Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
