The Mental Health Accredited Social Worker – Team Leader (MHASW-TL) holds a dual-function role within Veteran Pathways, combining direct clinical responsibilities with team leadership, clinical oversight, and operational support for a pod of Remote Mental Health Accredited Social Workers (RMHASWs).
In the clinical capacity, the MHASW-TL participates in telehealth Multidisciplinary Case Conferences (MDCC), conducts clinical intake assessments, and provides ongoing mental health support where clinically identified and requested by the veteran. This ensures the Team Leader maintains active clinical engagement and remains connected to the day-to-day realities of the social work role they are leading.
In the leadership capacity, the MHASW-TL supports, mentors, and guides a pod of Remote Mental Health Accredited Social Workers engaged under Veteran Pathways’ Practice Management Agreements (PMA). The Team Leader drives clinical standards, KPI performance, caseload management, compliance, and team culture, while directly supporting the Clinical Head of Operations in the delivery of Veteran Pathways’ national telehealth social work model.
Requirements
Multidisciplinary Case Conferencing (MDCC)
When required, attend and participate in scheduled telehealth Multidisciplinary Case Conferences (MDCC) involving General Practitioners, allied health professionals, and relevant community services.
-
Provide professional clinical input regarding mental health assessment findings, risk factors, treatment recommendations, and ongoing mental health management.
-
Contribute to the development of coordinated, multidisciplinary care plans for veterans with complex chronic health and mental health needs.
-
Liaise with treating practitioners both before and after case conferences to ensure relevant clinical information is communicated, and care plans are implemented effectively.
-
Support a collaborative shared care approach to veteran management and facilitate clear communication between healthcare providers.
Clinical Intake Assessments
-
Conduct clinical intake assessments via telehealth to identify the veteran’s clinical needs, presenting concerns, and barriers to care.
-
Compile and communicate assessment findings to the treating GP and multidisciplinary team as the basis for case conference discussion.
-
Identify priority clinical needs and make recommendations regarding referral pathways, support services, and treatment options.
-
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation of all intake assessments in accordance with AASW standards and DVA requirements.
Ongoing Mental Health Support
-
Where a veteran identifies they would like ongoing mental health support, provide that support as the treating MHASW within AASW Mental Health Accreditation scope.
-
Conduct mental health assessments, develop treatment plans, and deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions as clinically appropriate.
-
Monitor patient progress and modify interventions as appropriate, using outcome measurement tools (e.g. DASS, WHODAS) and case conferencing recommendations.
-
Identify clinical deterioration, escalate risk as required, and action appropriate referrals.
90-Day Reviews
-
Conduct 90-day reviews of the veteran health plan to assess clinical progress and overall engagement with care.
-
Compile updated clinical information and review findings to inform a further case conference with the treating GP and multidisciplinary team.
-
Identify veterans who may require step-up to more intensive support, specialist referral, or revised care planning, and communicate this to the team.
-
Complete all review documentation within required timeframes in accordance with DVA and AASW requirements.
Team Leadership – Remote Mental Health Accredited Social Workers
-
Provide mentorship, guidance, and clinical support to a pod of Remote Mental Health Accredited Social Workers (RMHASWs) engaged under Veteran Pathways’ Practice Management Agreements.
-
Conduct weekly check-ins with RMHASWs to troubleshoot clinical and operational challenges, support professional and caseload growth.
-
Support the onboarding and integration of new RMHASWs, including orientation to systems, DVA requirements, case conferencing processes, and clinical documentation standards.
-
Guide practitioners on building and managing their caseloads, including session volumes, client engagement, and DVA compliance.
-
Provide effective leadership and communication to create a high performance, values driven culture aligned with Veteran Pathways’ organisational values.
-
Create and support further education and professional development pathways for team members, including identification of CPD opportunities relevant to AASW Mental Health Accreditation requirements.
-
Embed standardisation of practice across the team and promote ‘One Best Way’ in clinical documentation, case conferencing preparation, and DVA billing processes.
-
Facilitate escalation pathways for complex clinical presentations, risk concerns, or compliance issues, liaising with the Clinical Head of Operations as required.
KPI Monitoring and Performance Management
-
Monitor RMHASW performance through Veteran Pathways’ Practice Management System (PMS), tracking invoice volumes, session engagement, caseload size, and DVA compliance.
-
Drive KPI achievement within the pod, with weekly invoice targets based on engagement level:
-
Full-Time (40 hrs/week) engaged RMHASW: 60 invoices per week.
-
Minimum (24 hrs/week) engaged RMHASW: 36 invoices per week.
-
Identify practitioners who are under capacity or at risk of not meeting targets, and proactively implement support and recovery strategies.
-
Report pod performance to the Clinical Head of Operations, including progress against monthly collective targets and any escalation concerns.
-
Apply pro-rata considerations appropriately where practitioners are on approved leave, sick leave, or under capacity due to factors outside their control.
Support to Clinical Head of Operations
-
Work directly alongside the Clinical Head of Operations to support the delivery and continuous improvement of Veteran Pathways’ national telehealth mental health social work model.
-
Contribute to policy, procedure, and quality improvement initiatives as directed by the Clinical Head of Operations.
-
Provide regular reporting on pod performance, clinical incidents, compliance matters, and team feedback to the Clinical Head of Operations.
-
Support the Clinical Head of Operations in the identification of systemic issues, clinical risks, or program development opportunities arising from team observations and case conferencing data.
-
Assist in the development and delivery of team-wide training, professional development sessions, and clinical governance activities.
Compliance, Culture, and Financial Performance
-
Promote a culture of compliance with DVA requirements, AASW Code of Ethics, and Veteran Pathways policies and procedures across the pod.
-
Monitor and support the financial performance of the pod, ensuring practitioners are billing correctly and maximising DVA-entitled service delivery within scope.
-
Ensure all team members maintain required credentials, insurances, and DVA compliance documentation.
-
Act as a point of escalation for complaints, conduct concerns, or clinical risk matters within the pod, and manage these in accordance with Veteran Pathways procedures.
Administration and Professional Practice
-
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation for all direct clinical activities, including case conferences, intake assessments, and treatment sessions.
-
Record all work undertaken in accordance with Veteran Pathways procedures and DVA requirements.
-
Adhere to the AASW Code of Ethics and Practice Standards for Mental Health Social Workers at all times.
-
Engage in regular supervision with the Clinical Head of Operations.
-
Complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as required to maintain AASW membership and AASW Mental Health Accreditation (minimum 30 hours annually, including 20 hours in the mental health domain).
-
Cooperate and comply with the introduction of new procedures and/or new equipment or technology.
-
Be conversant and always operate within current Work Health and Safety legislation and comply with Veteran Pathways policies.
Qualifications and Experience
-
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) from an AASW-accredited program – mandatory.
-
Current AASW membership – mandatory.
-
AASW Mental Health Accreditation (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker credential) – mandatory.
-
Maintenance of AASW Mental Health Accreditation CPD requirements (minimum 30 hours per annum, including 20 hours in the mental health domain).
-
Minimum 3 years post-qualifying clinical experience in a mental health or allied health setting.
-
Demonstrated experience in a team leadership, clinical supervision, or senior practitioner role.
-
Mental Health Social Work Private Practice Experience preferred
-
Ability to work collaboratively within and lead a multidisciplinary healthcare or shared care team.
-
Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
-
Experience working in telehealth environments, or demonstrated capacity to do so.
-
Experience working with veterans or DVA clients – desirable but not essential.
-
Satisfactory National Police Check (required prior to commencement).
Benefits
-
Dual Clinical and Leadership Role – maintain direct clinical engagement while building leadership experience and influencing the direction of a national veteran mental health social work team.
-
Professional Development – access to ongoing CPD, clinical supervision, peer consultation, and opportunities to contribute to program development and clinical governance.
-
Meaningful Work – support improved health outcomes for veterans while building and developing a high-performing team of Mental Health Accredited Social Workers.
-
Performance Recognition – transparent and achievable monthly bonus model that recognises team leadership impact and collective performance.
-
Collaborative Environment – work directly alongside the Clinical Head of Operations within a values-driven, mission-focused organisation.
