Support young families, build stronger futures, and make every connection count.
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until January 2031
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3
Remuneration: $58.95 - $60.86 per hour + super
Hours Per Week: 28
Location: Wallsend Campus
Requisition ID: REQ671010
Applications Close: Sunday, 5th July 2026
Interviews will be held on Wednesday, 15th July 2026.
Are you a passionate Social Worker who believes in the power of early intervention and building strong, trusting relationships? Join the Young Parent Network (YPN) and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of young parents and their children across the Maitland and Port Stephens communities.
Where you'll be working:
The Young Parent Network (YPN) is a collaborative early intervention program supporting pregnant and parenting young people under 25 years of age and their children. Delivered in partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), the program provides practical support, education, advocacy, and connection to services that help young families thrive.
Based at Wallsend Campus, you'll work closely with a multidisciplinary network of health and community professionals who are committed to improving outcomes for young parents and their children.
About the role:
As the YPN Social Worker, you'll provide targeted support to young parents and expectant parents, helping them navigate the challenges of pregnancy, parenting, and family life. Working alongside DCJ and health partners, you'll foster engagement, strengthen parenting capacity, and promote positive outcomes for both parent and child.
Reporting to the Nurse Unit Manager (Child and Family Health Nursing/First Steps Parenting Centre), Nurse Manager Child and Family Health Services, and DCJ, you'll:
- Deliver early intervention support to pregnant and parenting young people under 25 years.
- Build trusting, strengths-based relationships with young families.
- Facilitate engagement with health, community, and support services.
- Advocate for the needs of young parents and their children.
- Work collaboratively with DCJ and multidisciplinary stakeholders.
- Support families to achieve positive health, parenting, and developmental outcomes.
About you:
You are a compassionate and adaptable Social Worker who understands the unique challenges faced by young parents. You approach your work with empathy, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping families succeed.
You'll bring:
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A non-judgemental, strengths-based approach to practice.
- The ability to engage and build trust with young people and families.
- Respect for diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences.
- Strong collaboration and advocacy skills.
- A passion for early intervention and family-centred care.
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. Please upload a copy of your qualification/s with your CV.
- Current unrestricted driver's license and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes which may involve driving long distances. Please upload a copy of your license with your CV.
What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:
- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
- Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
- Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
- Ongoing learning, professional development, and education opportunities.
- Flexibility with working days due to part-time hours.
Additional information:
- An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
- To be eligible for 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.
- 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 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.
Demonstrated high level verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
Need more information?
1)
2)
For role related queries or questions contact Susan Darby on
[email protected]
Information for Applicants:
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
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.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact [email protected] for confidential support.
