Social workers in Services Australia (the agency) provide professional assessments and supports, counselling and interventions to customers who have multiple and complex needs, are in crisis or who are affected by natural disasters and emergencies. Social workers are located nationally in face-to face and telephony channels to ensure a social work service is accessible for all people in Australia, regardless of geographical location. Social workers also work with Service Officers and the community to enable them to better support vulnerable people through case consultation, training and skilled advice.

The APS 5 Social Worker role is an entry-level and developmental position within the agency’s social work stream. APS 5 Social Workers receive a greater level of professional supervision and do not exercise service delivery delegations. APS 5 and APS 6 Social Workers are supported by, and work under the general direction of, the EL 1 Social Worker Support Manager.

The work is often challenging but is also rewarding and will suit candidates who are resilient and embrace innovation and change. You will be helping a diverse range of customers at key moments in their lives by listening, advocating and connecting them to payments and services. With meaningful work undertaken across all parts of our country, you will be part of an extensive network of like-minded social workers and valued for who you are and what you can bring to our agency.

Social Workers in the agency have the opportunity to participate in professional interest groups such as the National Indigenous Social Work Group, the LGBTIQ Community of Practice and a Youth Council dedicated to early career social workers under the age of 30. Please note that ‘Broad-banding’ to a Social Worker APS 6 level is available after a qualifying period and once identified competencies can be demonstrated.

The key duties of the position include:

Providing crisis intervention, professional assessments and social casework for customers with the most complex needs and circumstances

Working with customers to support social inclusiveness by addressing safety and wellbeing, ensuring access to appropriate financial support, enhancing opportunities for education and employment and strengthening local communities

Contributing to the provision of professional leadership and service delivery support to agency staff

Building internal and external networks through collaboration with community service providers and other government agencies in order to support best practice outcomes for customers with complex needs

Contributing new ideas, including quality practice improvements,



business process refinement and service delivery implementation of policy decisions

Maintaining quality customer documentation including case notes, case plans and reports.

Eligibility

Essential RequirementsMandatory QualificationsA Social Work degree and eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Social

Work students that have successfully completed studies are encouraged to apply noting that evidence of course completion will be required from the relevant educational institution. If studies will be completed by the end of 2026, candidates can be assessed for suitability and provide evidence prior to commencement. Working with Children CheckStates

Working with Children or Vulnerable Persons Check required in: all states. Job requires direct/indirect contact with children/vulnerable groups. In accordance with section 22(6) of the Public Service Act 1999, Services Australia requires applicants to be Australian citizens to be eligible for employment with Services Australia.

An applicant’s suitability for employment with the agency will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes but is not limited to a national police history check, referee checks, code of conduct check and an employment history integrity check. Some positions within Services Australia may be required to work in settings where mandatory vaccinations are required.

Staff in such positions will need to demonstrate that they meet the vaccination requirements or have a relevant exemption.

Notes

Services Australia’s workforce operates using an agile approach, and all staff should be prepared to redeploy to critical frontline functions as required. Should you need to redeploy as part of the agency’s surge workforce, all learning and development and technical/pastoral support will be provided to you to enable you to undertake that work.

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people.



This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999. Similar conditions may apply when employed under other Acts. For clarification, please contact the advertising agency.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability.

This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999. Similar conditions may apply when employed under other Acts. For clarification please contact the advertising agency.

This vacancy has been identified to participate in VetPaths.

The Australian Public

Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer supports.

For more visit: https://www.dva.gov.au/vetpaths This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999. Similar conditions may apply when employed under other Acts.

For clarification please contact the advertising agency.

Getting to know the Services Australia

We touch the lives of nearly every Australian. We’re responsible for helping people meet life’s challenges, but we don’t just serve the community we work with, we’re part of it. As one of Australia’s largest public sector employers, we offer meaningful work in every corner of the country.

We’re one agency with many possibilities. When you work with us, you’ll be doing something that matters, and you’ll be valued for the unique views and skills you bring to the agency. We embrace and celebrate our diversity, and we’re proud to be a leading employer of

First Nations Australians and a Platinum tier LGBTQIA inclusive employer. Are you interested in being part of a large organisation with a strong future? We’re looking for people who want to work with us to deliver our vision of making government services simple so people can get on with their lives.

- https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/why-you-should-work-with-us? context=22

📌 Social Worker (Affirmative Measures - Indigenous) (New South Wales)
🏢 Services Australia
📍 New South Wales