Social Worker

About the Organisation

The Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (DYHS) was established in 1974 and is the largest Aboriginal community-controlled health service provider in Western Australia, providing care to over 20,000 Aboriginal patients across four clinics in East Perth, Mirrabooka, Maddington and Midland. Our staff enable the delivery of culturally responsive primary health services, focusing on prevention, early intervention, comprehensive care and care coordination including chronic disease management.

About the Benefits

A competitive salary commensurate with relevant qualifications, skills and experience is on offer for the right candidate. Other entitlements include:

• Salary packaging up to $15,900
• Study leaves
• Employee Assistance Program
• 12 days of personal leave per year
• NAIDOC Day holiday
• Personalized professional development opportunities

About the Position

The Social Worker is an integral member of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) team at DYHS. Working closely with other SEWB staff and clinical teams, the role supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients to address the emotional, social, and systemic factors that influence health and wellbeing. This position requires cultural humility, trauma-informed practice, and the ability to navigate complex social issues, advocating for clients and coordinating care that strengthens resilience and self-determination.

Key Responsibilities (Please refer to Position Description for more details)

• We're looking for a passionate Social Worker who can deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed support to Aboriginal clients across our clinics and outreach programs. You’ll work holistically with individuals and families, addressing issues like mental health, housing, child safety, AOD use, and financial stress.
• Be part of a collaborative SEWB team where your role includes case management, crisis response, community outreach, and connection to vital services. You’ll also lead client care planning, advocate for culturally responsive practices, and contribute to ongoing service improvement.
• If you’re ready to create positive change through compassionate, community-focused care — we’d love to hear from you!

Selection Criteria

1. Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work with eligibility for AASW membership.

2. Experience, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and the impact of colonisation on health and wellbeing.
• Proven ability to deliver culturally safe and responsive services in collaboration with Aboriginal staff and community members.
• Capacity to build trust and maintain respectful relationships with clients, families, and community networks.
• Strong skills in psychosocial assessment, case management, and intervention planning.
• Ability to apply trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches to complex social and emotional wellbeing needs.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policy frameworks, including child protection, family violence, and mental health.
• Experience working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, including collaboration with other SEWB staff.
• Ability to contribute to shared care planning, case conferences, and joint outreach or home visits.
• Commitment to reflective practice, open communication, and supporting team learning and development.
• Skilled in advocating for clients across health, housing, legal, and social service systems.
• Ability to connect clients with internal DYHS services and external community supports to address social determinants of health.
• Experience supporting clients through emergency relief and crisis response processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including preparing clear case notes and reports.
• Ability to explain complex information in a way that is culturally appropriate and easily understood by clients.
• Competence in maintaining accurate, confidential records that align with organisational standards.

3. Desirable:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

4. Other Requirements:

• Current Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain).
• Satisfactory National Police Clearance that is not older than 6 months.
• Valid WA Drivers’ License and willingness to travel as required.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.
• Successful Pre-Employment Health Assessment.

A copy of the full Position Description can be obtained by contacting People Services Team on 1800 311 888 or work@dyhs.org.au

How to Apply:

Please apply through SEEK, applications must include:

Current Resume including current contact details; and Cover letter addressing the selection criteria (2 pages maximum) outlining your suitability for the role.

Please note shortlisting will commence immediately.

Due to the high number of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is an equal opportunity institution, providing educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, colour, gender, age, or disability.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service reserves the right to contact the current or most recent employer and evaluate past employment records of applicants selected for interview.

The organisation reserves the right to re-advertise the position or to delay final selection if it is deemed that applicants for the position do not constitute an adequate applicant pool.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles.