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JOB DETAILS

Social Worker – Forensic Mental Health Services

CompanyACT Health
LocationCity of Edinburgh
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 20, 2026
About The Company
Canberra Health Services aims to deliver the best health care and health related services in Canberra on behalf of ACT Government. We are committed to providing high quality patient-centred care through our hospitals and community-based services. We run three public hospitals, Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital. We provide care to more than 500 000 people through a range of services including acute inpatient and day services, outpatient services, women’s and children’s services, paediatrics and pathology. Our services also include Community Health Centres for general and specialist health care, and Walk-in Centres for free treatment of minor illness or injuries. We are fully accredited with the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards. House Rules: Any offensive comments/behaviour, bullying and spamming will be removed. See our social media guidelines here: https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/about-us/media-centre/social-media-guidelines
About the Role

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent 
Classification: Health Professional Level 3 (PN 41042)
Salary: $111,639 - $120,057 (Plus 12.5%25 Super)
Location: Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, ACT
Section: Forensic Mental Health Services
Closing Date: 01 November 2026

 

 

What can we offer you: 


 

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Competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions within a tertiary hospital.

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Salary Packaging with many options that provide full fringe benefits tax concessions.

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Flexible working conditions

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Access to Employee Assistance Program.

 

 

About the Role:


Forensic Mental Health Services is seeking an experienced and motivated Social Worker to join the multidisciplinary team at the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit (DMHU), a specialised 25-bed forensic mental health facility providing evidence-based, recovery-focused inpatient care.

 

Working under the direction of the Allied Health Manager, you will deliver high-quality clinical assessment, social work interventions, family support, and care coordination for consumers with complex mental health needs. You will work collaboratively with carers, community services, and government agencies to support rehabilitation, recovery, and successful community reintegration, while also contributing to the supervision and development of students and junior staff.

 

The successful applicant will have strong clinical judgement, excellent communication skills, and a sound understanding of mental health legislation and recovery-oriented practice. Experience working with people experiencing severe mental illness, trauma, substance use issues, psychosocial disadvantage, and forensic involvement will be highly regarded.

 

Applicants must hold a tertiary qualification in Social Work, be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), hold ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration, and have a minimum of three years' post-qualification clinical experience.

 

For further information, please contact Graham Twycross using the details provided in the advertisement. Apply now to be part of a team dedicated to improving outcomes for people with complex mental health needs.

 

For more information regarding the position duties click here for the Position Description.

 

Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:

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Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.

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Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.

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Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.

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Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.

 

 

 

 

To Apply: 


Please apply online by submitting a copy of your CV along with a Response (no more than 3 pages) to the Selection Criteria, listed in the Position Description. 
 

***Please note applications submitted via an agency will not be accepted for this position***


Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person centred care. It provides acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding region. More information can be found on the CHS website. 

 

Our Vision: creating exceptional health care together 
Our Role: to be a health service that is trusted by our community
Our Values: Reliable, Progressive, Respectful and Kind

 

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

 

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Graham Twycross on (02) 5124 1516 or at Graham.Twycross@act.gov.au

#LI-DNI

Key Skills
Clinical assessmentSocial work interventionsFamily supportCare coordinationMental health legislationRecovery-oriented practiceCrisis interventionRehabilitationCommunity reintegrationClinical judgementCommunication skillsMultidisciplinary collaborationStudent supervisionTrauma-informed careSubstance use support
Categories
HealthcareSocial ServicesGovernment & Public Sector
Benefits
Competitive pay ratesSalary packagingFringe benefits tax concessionsFlexible working conditionsEmployee assistance program
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Social Worker will deliver high-quality clinical assessments, interventions, and care coordination for consumers with complex mental health needs within a forensic inpatient setting. They will also collaborate with carers and external agencies to support patient rehabilitation and community reintegration.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
A$111,639 - A$120,057
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
2167
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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