Lead and shape a high-performing Social Work service

Drive quality, innovation and patient-centred care

Join a collaborative leadership team at Auburn District Hospital

Manage a dynamic Social Work team, drive clinical excellence, and build high-quality services that improve patient outcomes.

Employment Type:PermanentFull Time
Position Classification:Social Worker Level 5
Remuneration:$141,319 – $144,756 per annum
Hours Per Week:38
Location:Auburn District Hospital

Where you'll be working

At Auburn District Hospital, you'll join a diverse, patient-focused health service committed to delivering exceptional care to the local community. As a key Allied Health leader, you will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and Social Work leaders across Western Sydney Local Health District to strengthen service delivery, enhance professional practice and drive meaningful outcomes for patients and families.

Working with us offers the chance to influence strategic direction, lead service innovation and contribute to a culture that values collaboration, continuous improvement and professional growth.

Join a respected leadership team within a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Lead a highly skilled Social Work department delivering vital services across the hospital.

Collaborate with Allied Health and clinical leaders across Western Sydney.

Drive innovation, quality improvement and service excellence.

Be part of an organisation committed to staff development, wellbeing and patient-centred care.

What you'll be doing

As the Social Work Head of Department, you will provide strategic, operational and professional leadership to the Social Work service, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, evidence-based care.



You will oversee workforce management, service planning, quality improvement initiatives and professional governance while supporting the ongoing development of a skilled and engaged workforce.

Lead and manage the Social Work Department, ensuring excellence in clinical practice, service delivery and professional standards.

Drive strategic planning, workforce development, recruitment, supervision and retention initiatives to build a high-performing team.

Develop and implement quality improvement and service redesign initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and service efficiency.

Partner with hospital executives, Allied Health leaders and multidisciplinary teams to support organisational priorities and integrated care.

Provide expert clinical leadership, advice and support while fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability and innovation.

Selection Criteria:

- Must hold a Bachelor or post graduate degree in Social Work that provides eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
- Demonstrated advanced clinical skills and clinical experience in the provision of Social Work services across a broad range of clinical areas.




- Extensive experience and demonstrated ability in building and maintaining professional and therapeutic relationships with key stakeholders and patients through the application of well-developed written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Demonstrated high level organisational, prioritisation and time management skills in an environment of competing clinical and administrative demands.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in the leadership, supervision, and management of Social Work professionals.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and lead change across the service to improve service delivery models and meet identified KPIs.
- Demonstrated ability to initiate, lead and implement quality improvement initiatives and service evaluation processes.
- Demonstrated commitment to own professional development and experience implementing evidence-based practice.

Applications Close: 2nd November 2026

Need more information?

- Find out more about applying for this position.
- Review the detailed Position Description for insights into role requirements and criteria.
- Explore selection process, employment checks, outcomes and notifications.

People with disabilities who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; and where required, WSLHD will implement reasonable adjustment consistent with industry standard.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles in NSW Health organisations. For more information, please visit https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/ .

Please note: To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health,

📌 Social Work Head of Department (Sydney)
🏢 NSW Health
📍 Sydney