2027 Social Work Graduate Opportunities (Mental Health)
Employment Type - Temporary Part Time
Job Category - Other Professionals - Social Work
Req Id - 9179
Are you a recently or soon to be graduated Social Worker looking to begin a career in mental health?
Now is your chance - Apply today
- Rotational opportunities across acute, community and specialist mental health services
- Dedicated support and development from experienced Mental Health Educators and Senior Social Workers
- A range of discipline-specific and Mental Health Clinician roles available, with part-time opportunities (0.8 FTE)
About Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services (MHDAS)
MHDAS provides integrated and recovery oriented mental health, drugs and alcohol assessment, treatment and community support to people of all ages within the Barwon region experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, mental health and drug & alcohol issues, and their families.
Our service is internationally recognised for its innovative clinical programs and integrated models of practice that are client centred, accessible and family inclusive. We are fortunate to enjoy terrific internal relationships and have developed excellent partnerships with the local community that provide for seamless integrated care for our clients.
MHDAS is entering a new phase of co-design of our service system with people who access our services and our wider community. This will build on our nationally recognized unique cultural approach to the challenges of recovery-oriented service delivery to redesign our service system.
About the program
Our 2027 Mental Health, Drugs & Alcohol Allied Health Graduate Program has multiple positions available for:
Social Worker (Grade 2 Yr 3)
Each Social Work graduate will complete 2 x 6 month rotations across the MHDAS service. Rotational opportunities include:
- Acute Inpatient Wards Swanston Adult Acute Inpatient Centre: Our 32 bed acute psychiatric admission unit provides recovery orientated care delivery for people aged 16 and over, experiencing the effects of major mental illness/distress.
- McKellar Mental Health & Wellbeing Unit (50 +): Newly developed 16 bed unit providing specialised mental health care for independent adults (50 years +), including those with complex mental health and general health co-morbidities.
- Hospital in the Home: Innovative program providing adult and youth acute mental health bed –equivalent care in a home environment
- Youth Mental Health Team (South): specialist early intervention and treatment services for young people with drug and alcohol and/or high prevalence disorders.
- Continuuing Care Services (Community MH) - Corio, Bellarine, Geelong West: These teams provide comprehensive crisis assessment, crisis management and treatment, case management of complex issues and mobile outreach to people aged between 16 and 65 years, experiencing serious mental health needs.
Please specify in your cover letter your preferences for role and rotations.
About the roles
As a Grade 2 Social Worker, you will be responsible for beginning level practice delivery of evidence-based assessment, treatment and support to consumers presenting with mental health and AOD (Alcohol & other Drugs) problems.
- Duties of your role may include but are not limited to:
- Developing consumer centred care plans
- Provision of both discipline specific and MH clinician assessment and intervention plans
- Participating in clinical reviews
- Liaising with internal and external services to facilitate care provision
- Keeping accurate clinical documentation
- Providing connections and assistance for consumers and their families to access services that enrich and improve their wellbeing and health.
All SW graduates will work 8.30-5 shifts alongside a more senior Social Worker. You will enter a well-established multidisciplinary graduate program with opportunities to work and learn alongside fellow graduate nurses, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists, and will be supported by a large education and training team. Graduate clinicians will be linked into a comprehensive individual and group supervision program. These positions include participation in study days within an interpreofessional program overseen by the MHDAS Education team.
Key responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, evidence-based Social Work assessment, treatment and ongoing care under supervision, supporting consumers and their families in their recovery.
- Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team and build effective partnerships with health, community, education, vocational and other relevant services to support consumer care.
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, statistics and reporting; comply with clinical standards, policies and procedures; and actively participate in quality improvement and risk management activities.
- Maintain confidentiality, uphold professional and ethical standards, complete mandatory training, comply with OHS and relevant legislation/regulatory requirements, and contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive service.
What we’re looking for
- Formal, professionally recognised Social Work qualification with eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
- Basic knowledge of mental health, risk management, assessment and evidence-based treatment approaches, including youth mental health, major mental illness and co-morbid alcohol and drug issues.
- Understanding of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, the role of Social Work in mental health care, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Current Victorian Driver Licence and competent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Please note Barwon Health will only contact you via our official email and never use unconventional means, such as text messaging or other services.
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Excellent working conditions and a strong sense of job satisfaction
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A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
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Extensive professional development opportunities
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Attractive salary packaging benefits
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Living expenses capped at $9,010
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Meals and entertainment capped at $2,650
For more information about working at Barwon Health, please click here
Barwon Health is an inclusive and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We value and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities, family structures, and identities, and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
Child safety
We are strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Click here for further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards
Additional information
If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at peopleassist@barwonhealth.org.au
All appointments are subject to:
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Satisfactory Police Record Check
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Immunisation Status Clearance
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Working with Children Check (if applicable)
To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position in line with the requirements of the position description. Please note: We do not accept resumes via email.
Contact Person: Mark Moran | Social Work Clinical Educator & Discipline Lead
Email: mark.moran@barwonhealth.org.au
Phone: 0418-991794
Application closing date: 9 September 2026
Internal applicants:
If you are currently employed at Barwon Health, please ensure you sign in via the employee login on the external careers page or access the careers page through One Point (intranet) before applying.
Shortlisting may commence prior to the closing date - early applications are encouraged.
Barwon Health does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Candidates must apply directly through the official recruitment portal.