Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research across 3 campuses in the northeast of Melbourne and state-wide. Austin Health is world-renowned for its research and specialist work in cancer, liver transplantation, spinal cord injuries, neurology, endocrinology, mental health and rehabilitation.

An exciting opportunity currently exists for an enthusiastic and highly experienced Social Worker to join our Spinal Community Services team within the Victorian Spinal Cord Service.

The Social Worker in this role will work in the Spinal Community Services team, to provide support to people with new spinal cord injuries +/- their support networks who are transitioning from inpatient rehabilitation, to the community. Social Work intervention provided to both patients, family and/or carers include: therapeutic counselling, assessment, goal setting, community integration including assistance with NDIS and referral to other relevant community services. The intervention provided may include working with the client (and/or a community service provider) in the hospital setting, in their own home, workplace, or other setting in their local community.

To be successful in this role you must demonstrate/Key responsibilities will include:

• Approved degree in Social Work and eligible for practising membership of Australian Association of Social Work.
• An ability to undertake psychosocial assessments, develop and implement intervention plans, including care planning, counselling, discharge planning and provision of support to patients with complex health conditions, and their family members and/or carers.
• Knowledge of a range of community resources and the ability to negotiate, advocate and problem-solve.
• Knowledge of health, disability, and challenges faced by clients with disability and complex needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills

• Demonstrated ability to work innovatively, creatively and in a flexible manner to support a client goal-oriented approach
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and quality improvement and evaluation of clinical practice
• Demonstrated history and commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Skills in providing psychosocial education and secondary consultation to ‘generic’ workers and families
• Strong organisational and time management skills and an ability to prioritise and manage caseload.

• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and with staff from other disciplines as part of a client focused interdisciplinary rehabilitation
• Current Victorian Drivers Licence

Desirable but not essential:

• Experience as a social worker, particularly in a spinal cord injury, health, disability rehabilitation.
• A sound understanding of information technology including clinical systems, and applications relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of funding bodies and insurance schemes i.e. TAC, NDIS, Aged Care.
• Ability to meet or exceed ambitious performance objectives and quality standards.

Work with us! Your reward is to work in a collaborative environment which will provide you with opportunities for ongoing training and development. Your benefits will include salary packaging, and employee assistance program.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory National Police Check conducted by Austin Health and if required, a Working With Children Check.

Austin Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged.