SOCIAL WORKER (ABORIGINAL HEALTH)

Best suited for: Australian citizens, Permanent Residents, New Zealand citizens, and Subclass 485/491/191 visa holders seeking a rewarding regional healthcare career supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within South Australia's public health system.

Please note: International applicants are encouraged to apply. SA Health provides dedicated international applicant guidelines. Visa sponsorship may be available for eligible international applicants where approved by SA Health and subject to workforce requirements.

About This Opportunity

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Social Worker to join the Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Health Service within the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN). Available as a temporary full-time or part-time position until 31 July 2027, this role focuses on delivering culturally safe, person-centred social work services that improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families, and communities across northern Adelaide.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, you will provide case management, care coordination, advocacy, and community engagement while addressing the broader social determinants of health. This position offers excellent career development within one of South Australia's largest public health organisations, supported by generous salary packaging, professional development funding, flexible working arrangements, and potential relocation assistance.

Job Summary

• Employer Name: Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) – SA Health
• Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time | Temporary (Until 31 July 2027)
• Required Education Level: Appropriate tertiary qualification in Social Work with eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Employment Location: Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Health Service, Elizabeth Vale, South Australia (working across multiple NALHN locations)
• Salary: AUD $94,997 – $110,052 per annum (pro rata) + Superannuation and Salary Packaging benefits
• Application Deadline: Friday, 14 August 2026 – 11:55 PM (ACST)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide culturally safe social work assessments, case management, and care coordination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
• Deliver person-centred support addressing the social determinants of health affecting individuals and families.
• Advocate for patients navigating complex healthcare, housing, financial, family, and community support systems.
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and local community services.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary care planning and coordinated transfer of care across health services.
• Deliver trauma-informed, strengths-based interventions that promote social and emotional wellbeing.
• Support quality improvement initiatives while maintaining accurate clinical documentation and professional standards.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision, professional education, and evidence-based practice development.

Skills & Requirements

• Professional Qualification: Appropriate tertiary qualification in Social Work with eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• Aboriginal Health Experience: Demonstrated experience delivering culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families, or communities.
• Clinical Practice: Strong understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based social work within healthcare environments.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish trust and collaborate respectfully with Aboriginal clients, Elders, families, and community stakeholders.
• Teamwork: Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary primary healthcare teams.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, conflict resolution, and case management abilities.
• Driver's Licence: Current South Australian Driver's Licence is essential.
• Personal Attributes: Demonstrated resilience, organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from AUD $94,997 to $110,052 per annum (pro rata) plus Superannuation.
• Generous Salary Packaging to maximise take-home pay.
• Incremental salary progression under the Allied Health Enterprise Agreement.
• Relocation assistance may be available for eligible interstate and overseas applicants.
• Extensive professional development opportunities, including Professional Development Allowance and reimbursement of eligible expenses.
• Access to NALHN's Allied Health Education Unit and experienced clinical mentors.
• Opportunities to participate in Allied Health clinical research alongside the Allied Health Research Chair.
• Regular clinical supervision supporting professional growth and career progression.
• Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life balance.
• Inclusive workplace culture promoting diversity, cultural safety, and employee wellbeing.

Important Applicant Information

• Application Methodology: Submit your application online through the SA Health Careers website before the advertised closing date.
• Submission Steps: Upload an updated professional resume together with evidence of Social Work qualifications, AASW eligibility, and any additional supporting documentation requested.
• Review Parameters: Applications will be assessed against the advertised selection criteria, relevant experience, professional qualifications, and demonstrated cultural capability.
• Required Application Documents:
  • Current professional resume.
  • Social Work qualification.
  • Evidence of eligibility for full AASW membership.
  • Current driver's licence.
  • Any additional documents requested within the official position description.

Eligible applicants include:

• Australian citizens
• Permanent Residents (PR)
• New Zealand citizens
• Subclass 485 / 491 / 191 visa holder

About The Employer

The Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) is one of South Australia's largest public healthcare providers, delivering comprehensive hospital, community, mental health, Aboriginal health, primary care, rehabilitation, aged care, and specialist health services to more than 400,000 people. Through Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Health Service, NALHN is committed to delivering culturally safe, holistic healthcare that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities while supporting staff through education, research, innovation, diversity, and long-term career development.

Applicant Safety & Screening Reminder

• Appointment is subject to a satisfactory National Police Check.
• A current DHS Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required.
• Applicants must satisfy Category B Immunisation screening requirements before commencement.
• Successful applicants must comply with SA Health's Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Policy.
• Never pay recruitment, visa processing, or placement fees to secure employment.
• Do not include sensitive financial information or your Tax File Number (TFN) in your initial application.
• Original qualification, identity, and professional registration documents may be requested during recruitment for verification.

Original Source: SA Health Careers — Social Worker – Aboriginal Health (AHP2) | Job Reference: 942089