Practice Advancement Lead

- Full-time, ongoing position
- National role supporting the advancement of the social work profession
- Flexible location and hybrid working options with salary packaging options

Help shape the future of social work practice in Australia

Are you an experienced social worker looking for a role that’s varied, influential and connected to the bigger picture of the profession?

Join us at a pivotal and exciting time as we strengthen our connection with members and the profession, expand professional learning and practice development opportunities, and grow the influence of social work across Australia.

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is seeking an experienced social worker to join our Social Work Advancement team as Practice Advancement Lead. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of the profession, connecting with members, practice leaders, researchers, government and sector stakeholders to strengthen professional capability and advance social work practice across Australia.

You will provide professional advice and practice support to members across a range of practice issues, while translating evidence, research and member insights into practical initiatives, resources, networks and supports that strengthen the profession and help social workers respond to current and future community needs.

Working collaboratively across the AASW and with stakeholders throughout the profession, this role offers the opportunity to influence social work at a national level while contributing to a stronger, more connected and more capable profession.

The opportunity

In this role you will:

- Lead initiatives that strengthen social work practice, professional capability and professional standards.
- Identify emerging practice and workforce issues and translate evidence, insights and expertise into practical resources, guidance and organisational responses.




- Strengthen practice support services, communities of practice and professional learning networks that build capability and connection across the profession.
- Develop professional resources, tools and practice supports for members.
- Facilitate engagement with members, practitioners, researchers, educators and sector stakeholders.
- Build strategic relationships with members, First Nations social workers and communities, professional leaders, academics, government and sector partners.
- Contribute to organisational projects and initiatives that advance the profession and strengthen member value.

About you

You are a proactive and influential social worker with a passion for advancing the profession and supporting high-quality practice. Curious, collaborative and solutions-focused, you bring credibility, initiative and a commitment to helping social workers build their capability and respond to the evolving needs of communities. You will bring:

- Qualifications in social work and eligibility for AASW membership.
- Strong understanding of contemporary social work practice and the issues affecting the profession.
- Experience designing, leading or supporting professional capability, practice development or workforce initiatives.
- The ability to translate evidence, research and emerging issues into practical and meaningful outcomes.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent communication, facilitation and project management capabilities.




- A commitment to professional excellence and advancing the social work profession.

About the AASW

The Australian Association of Social Workers is the peak body for social workers in Australia, representing more than 18,000 members across every state and territory. We set the benchmark for professional education and practice, support qualified capability and development, champion social justice, human rights and policies, and advocate for social workers and the individuals, families and communities they serve.

We are undertaking an ambitious period of renewal to ensure the voice and expertise of social workers shapes the work of the organisation and the future of the profession. Our priority is to build a more responsive, member-centred and professionally influential association.

Why Join Us?

Be part of an ambitious period of renewal as we strengthen the voice, influence and impact of the social work profession. What we offer:

- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Salary $105,000 – $120,000 plus superannuation and leave loading
- Paid parental leave
- Ex gratia paid days off between Christmas and New Year
- Commitment to your training and development
- Health and wellbeing events and activities
- Access to Employee Assistance Program
- Salary packaging options

How to Apply

Please email [email protected] for a copy of the position description.

Submit your current résumé and a short cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the key requirements.

Applications close: Midnight 22nd November 20206

Enquiries: [email protected]

The AASW is committed to a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

📌 Practice Advancement Lead (Melbourne)
🏢 Australian Association Of Social Workers
📍 Melbourne