Join a supportive team where leadership, collaboration and professional growth are valued.

Employment Type

Permanent Full Time

Position Classification

Social Worker Level 5

Remuneration

$141,319.00 - $144,756.00 + Super + Salary Packaging

Hours Per Week

38

Requisition ID

REQ678924

Closing Date

Sunday 23rd August 2026

Lead Social Worker – Manning & Wingham Hospitals

Manning and Wingham Hospitals are seeking a passionate, experienced and dedicated Lead Allied Health Clinician (Social Work) to provide leadership for our Social Work Service. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a highly skilled and compassionate team that is committed to delivering exceptional patient-centred care across our communities.

Our Allied Health teams are recognised for their supportive, collaborative and encouraging culture. We are passionate patient advocates who go the extra mile—not only for our patients, but for one another. We foster an setting where learning, reflection and continuous improvement are encouraged, empowering our clinicians to grow professionally while delivering outstanding healthcare.

As the Lead Social Worker, you will provide clinical leadership, inspire your team and contribute to the ongoing development of high-quality social work services across Manning and Wingham Hospitals.

About The Role

In this leadership position, you will balance clinical excellence with service management responsibilities while supporting the development of staff and students. You will work closely with a highly supportive Allied Health Leadership Team that values collaboration, peer support and shared learning.

You Will Benefit From

- A welcoming and collaborative Allied Health Leadership Team.
- Shared manager office space that promotes peer support and informal coaching.
- Regular leadership meetings and mentoring with the Director of Allied Health and Support Services.
- Comprehensive training for all required systems and programs.
- A workplace culture that encourages innovation, continuous learning and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead and coordinate the Social Work Service across Manning and Wingham Hospitals.
- Supervise and support undergraduate social work students.
- Balance clinical, leadership and administrative responsibilities.
- Provide advanced clinical assessment and intervention for complex patients.
- Act as a clinical resource and mentor for the Social Work team.
- Promote evidence-based practice and continuous service improvement.




- Foster a positive team culture that supports learning, growth and staff wellbeing.
- Build collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

About You

The successful candidate will be an experienced Social Worker with:

- Demonstrated leadership and people management skills.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Advanced clinical knowledge and decision‑making skills.
- A commitment to mentoring, coaching and developing others.
- The ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on clinical practice.
- A passion for continuous learning, service improvement and delivering high‑quality patient care.
- A collaborative approach and a genuine commitment to fostering a positive team culture.

At Hunter New England Health enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations.

Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:

- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- 6 weeks annual leave (pro‑rata for part‑time employees)
- Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
- Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
- Fitness Passport for health and well‑being - discounted gym options for

Need more information?

For role related queries or questions contact Jenny Fishpool on

Additional Information

- 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.
- An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part‑time vacancies.




- To be eligible for permanent 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.
- 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 for confidential support.

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: 3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: HNEHealth Stepping Up

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.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take‑home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting Salary PackagingPLUS! via or .

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

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📌 Social Work Manager - Manning and Wingham Hospitals (Australia)
🏢 Hunter New England Local Health District
📍 Australia