Whitfield State School is looking for an experienced and motivated Social Worker to join our dynamic student wellbeing team. This role is offered on a temporary part-time basis, at 0.60 FTE and 43.25 hours per fortnight, until 12 December 2025, unless otherwise determined.

Whitfield State School is a high performing primary school in Cairns, offering students with a range of specialised subjects and programs to connect students to the best versions of themselves. Our experienced staff enables us to deliver a wide range of specialised programs. We set ourselves apart by valuing each individual student and ensuring that each young person graduating from this school is well-positioned for a bright future. Our mission is to develop responsible, respectful and resilient learners who are prepared to challenge the future.

Job details

About the Role

This is a PO2 progression position as per the Role Description. The successful applicant will be appointed to the PO2 classification with eligibility for progression to the PO3 once specific criteria have been met or demonstrated. Please note salary rate shown is reflective of PO2 to PO3 classification range.  

At Whitfield State School the role of Social Worker contains the following local portfolio functions:

• 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 and under the line management of the DP - School Culture, our social worker will lead, support and 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.
• Provide social work services within a social work framework for practice, being able to articulate social work theory and relate to assessment and intervention techniques from a social work case management perspective.
• Support delivery and continual improvement of social work services in schools by collecting and collating social work and school-based data to review ongoing social work service delivery to students and to their families.
• Understand the impact of social and political impacts for practice and how these impact in a school setting and impact learning
• Understanding and linking Education Queensland's strategic plan to practice and provide a continuous improvement approach in reviewing policy, operational standards and processes.
• Support school communities in responding to critical incidents and emergencies as part of the school student services team.
• Demonstrate appropriate record keeping and recording systems and tools in line with departmental procedures and policies to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and accuracy of information within an educational environment.
• Demonstrates sound governance and provide a social work practice which aligns with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) ethics and integrity.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

How to Apply

• Please attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant previous work history); and
• A 1-pg written statement in response to the attached role description.

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.

Salary rate shown is reflective of full-time (1.0 FTE). 

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
  
  FNR635276_25T - Role Description (PDF, 140KB)
  Role Description