About the role

South West Healthcare (SWH) is committed to providing a highly supportive environment for all graduates, with a strong focus on professional development and clinical excellence. Our goal is to offer structured clinical support to assist with the transition from student to practicing Social Worker.

The Graduate Social Work Program will commence in February 2026, offering you the opportunity to consolidate and apply theoretical knowledge while developing practical skills across a variety of clinical settings within our Mental Health teams.

The program includes two six-month rotations within the following areas:

• Adult Community Mental Health
• Older Adult Mental Health
• Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health Service (ICYMHS)
• Sub-Acute Prevention and Recovery Centre (PARC)
• Acute Inpatient Unit (AIU)

Depending on service needs, the community rotation may be based at one of our regional sites in Portland, Hamilton, or Camperdown.

This is a supernumerary position within our Mental Health Services, offering dedicated study time and ongoing support from a Mental Health Social Work Educator.

Position overview

• Employment Type: Fulltime (80 hours per fortnight) with a monthly ADO, 12 Month - Fixed term position
• Location: Opportunity to work across multiple campus', including Warrnambool, Portland, Hamilton & Camperdown
• Classification: Qualified Social Worker Grade 1 Year 3
• Salary: $72,363.20 pro rata, plus superannuation

What you bring

The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong commitment to starting their Social Work Career in Mental Health and Wellbeing Services and learning, delivering and developing evidence based Social Work interventions.

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions;
• Internal and external professional development opportunities;
• Ongoing clinical supervision;
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs;
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment.

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community.

SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.

SWH is the major specialist referral centre for the Barwon South West sub-region, and provides a comprehensive range of acute, sub-acute, specialist, community, mental health and aged services.

With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/

How to apply

Submit your application by selecting the Apply button below and include a cover letter and resume by Sunday 5 October 2025. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2020-2024 with classification Qualified Social Worker Grade 1.

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check
• Current Immunisation status

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