Whitfield State School is seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Social Worker to join our team. In this vital leadership role, you’ll coordinate case management for students with diverse behavioural, emotional, social, and learning needs. You’ll work closely with families, build staff capability, and foster strong partnerships with external agencies. You'll also help shape our values-driven school culture and lead the delivery of targeted social skill programs.

If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a role that truly makes a difference, we invite you to apply now and join our dedicated team.

Job details

About the School 

Whitfield State School is a vibrant and inclusive primary school located in Cairns, surrounded by stunning natural environments including the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests. We are known for delivering high-quality education in a safe and caring setting, underpinned by our motto Each Striving for the Peak. Our strong academic focus includes structured programs in literacy and numeracy, supported by high-impact teaching strategies. With modern facilities, a diverse multicultural community, and enrichment through sport, languages and gifted education, Whitfield State School offers students a rich, engaging learning experience that supports success and prepares them for a bright future.

About the Role  

As the Senior Social Worker, you will lead and coordinate case management for students with diverse behavioural, emotional, social, learning, and attendance needs. Working closely with the Deputy Principal team, you will actively engage with families, support staff capability development, and build strong partnerships with external agencies. You will also contribute to shaping a values-based school culture by leading programs that develop resilience and problem-solving skills in students. In addition, you will oversee the design and delivery of student and family support provisions, including social skilling initiatives and activities within our Loose Parts, Nature, and Rainforest play areas.

This temporary part-time role is until 11 December 2026, unless otherwise determined. The position offers either 29 hours per fortnight (0.40 FTE) or 43.5 hours per fortnight (0.60 FTE), with final hours to be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Your Responsibilities 

As the Senior Social Worker, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:  

• Case management coordination and leadership - The school supports our students and families through the delivery of a comprehensive and levelled solution focussed case management process. This case load is for students with diverse Behavioural, Emotional, Social, Learning and Attendance needs. In collaboration with the school's Deputy Principal team our social worker will lead, support and/or manage the case management functions of the school. This will include active and sustained work with families both inside and out of the school gates; capability development of staff and; developing partnerships and connections with other agencies.
• Education and school culture leadership - Facilitation of education programs for parents and staff, as well having deep input into our school's values-based culture for our students to become ‘Resilient, Skilled Problem Solvers'. Leading, innovating and enhancing the school's culture in this space is a core piece of work.
• Support provision leadership - Design, delivery and review of student/ family support provisions as well as support/ coaching of staff who are involved in delivery of those provisions at the universal, targeted and intensive levels. The focus is particularly on those provisions related to social skilling responses. These actions will include engagement with facilities such as our Loose parts, Nature and Rainforest play areas. 

Please refer to the attached role description for the full list of responsibilities and mandatory requirements for this position. 

Interested? To Apply 

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).  

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

When working in regulated employment an employee must have a current Working with Children Clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services.

The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace. Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached role description and candidate information fact sheet and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  FNR654497_25T - Role Description (PDF, 242KB)
  Role Description