Job Description

Social Worker – Inpatient Wards

Launceston General Hospital | Tasmanian Health Service

We are seeking a passionate Social Worker to join our Inpatient Ward team at Launceston General Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families through high quality, hands-on clinical practice within a supportive multidisciplinary environment.

About the Team

Launceston General Hospital (LGH) is the largest public hospital in Northern Tasmania and the region’s major referral centre. As part of the Tasmanian Health Service, LGH delivers a broad range of acute, specialist and community health services and is a teaching hospital with strong links to the University of Tasmania.

You will join a collegial, values-driven social work team committed to collaboration, respect and continuous improvement. The team provides strong professional support and values diverse perspectives, professional judgement and shared learning.

About the Role

In this role, under supervision of a Senior Social Worker, you will provide social work support to patients and their families across the inpatient wards at Launceston General Hospital. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will help patients navigate illness, hospitalisation and discharge, while connecting them with the support they need to achieve the best possible outcomes.

You will be supported through regular professional supervision and development opportunities, making this a great opportunity for both experienced and early-career social workers, including new graduates.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide social work support to patients and their families.
• Assess psychosocial needs and help patients navigate illness, hospitalisation and discharge.
• Provide information, advocacy and referrals to appropriate support services.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support patient care.
• Build connections with community services and referral partners.
• Maintain accurate client records and documentation.
• Contribute to service improvement, learning and professional development.
• Support safe, high-quality care and uphold child safety and mandatory reporting requirements.

You will need

• A Degree in Social Work and eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• Strong communication, interpersonal and advocacy skills.
• The ability to assess needs, solve problems and support patients and families.
• A collaborative approach and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to patient-centred and family-sensitive care.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate documentation.
• Commitment to learning, professional development and continuous improvement.
• Understanding of child safety principles and mandatory reporting responsibilities.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

Details of appointment

Fixed term full time, day worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, 27 September 2026 until 26 September 2027.

*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

$81,614 to $117,074 per annum (Pro rata). Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.

• Salary range is in accordance with Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Union Wages Agreement 2025.

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 $115,529 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 $1200 per annum, paid on a fortnightly, pro rata basis.

Benefits available to eligible candidates

• 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 $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.

More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here

Eligibility

Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.

• Tertiary qualification/program of study approved by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Overseas qualified Social Work candidates require a “certification 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

• Full member of Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

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:

• Generic Social Worker HP1-2 (June 2023) CSU.docx

Application Guide:

• Applicant Guide.docx

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.

*applications from Recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this role

For more information

Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.

Name: Sue Vucak

Position: Head of Department Social Work

Phone number: 0467 172 001

Email address: sue.vucak@ths.tas.gov.au

What it is like working at the Department of Health?

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence 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!

Move to Tasmania | Tasmanian

One Health Podcast - Spotify

One Health Podcast - Apple

Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian

Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).

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.