The Team:
The Social Work team at the Launceston General Hospital provides specialised psychosocial support to patients and families as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare environment. Their work includes assessing needs, planning and delivering social work interventions, linking people with community services, contributing to discharge planning, and supporting patients through illness, crisis, and complex life situations. The team also maintains strong connections with external agencies, participates in teaching and research, and contributes to the development of policies and quality improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery.
As part of the Department of Health, the team plays a vital role in ensuring safe, high‑quality person‑centred family sensitive care for the Tasmanian community. They collaborate closely with medical, nursing, and allied health colleagues, uphold the AASW Code of Ethics, promote child-safe and culturally safe practice, and support the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable people. Through integrated practice, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement, the Social Work team helps the Department of Health achieve its mission of supporting the health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians.
The Role:
The Social Worker role centres on supporting patients and families by identifying psychosocial needs and delivering appropriate interventions that enhance wellbeing and support care planning. This includes providing counselling, practical assistance, crisis response, and helping people navigate complex hospital or life transitions.
In addition to direct client work, the position contributes to the overall functioning and development of the Social Work service through accurate documentation, involvement in teaching and research, and active participation in quality and safety processes. Working ethically and in line with professional and organisational standards, the Social Worker collaborates closely with colleagues across disciplines, maintains child‑safe and culturally safe practice, and helps shape service improvements that benefit patients and the wider community.
Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.
You will need:
- The role requires a recognised social work qualification approved by the AASW, eligibility for (or current) AASW membership, and the ability to apply strong clinical, assessment, counselling and problem‑solving skills in a hospital environment.
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- Effective communication, teamwork, and the capacity to manage competing priorities are essential, along with a commitment to ethical practice, child‑safe principles, and organisational policies.
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- Candidates must also meet mandatory pre‑employment requirements, including criminal history, identification and disciplinary checks, and maintain Working with Vulnerable People registration.
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:
- Permanent full time, day worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing from as soon as you can join us.
*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: $73,834 to $111,364 per annum. Our Employer 12% 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:
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 $15,000 for eligible appointees from overseas, and 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 $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.
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Tertiary qualification/program of study approved by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
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Eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
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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
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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:
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.
*only Recruitment Agencies specifically contracted are invited to provide applicants to 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: Discipline Lead Social Work
Phone number: (03) 6777 6245
Email address: sue.vucak@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
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.