Social Worker - Westside Lodge (Dual Diagnosis Rehabilitation Centre)

• Location: Sunshine
• Employment Type: Part-Time (64 hours/fortnight), Ongoing
• Salary: Grade 1 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging

About the role:

Westside Lodge (WSL) DDRC is a state-wide residential rehabilitation service for adults who experience the Dual Diagnoses of substance use and mental health issues. WSL DDRC provides a supportive and safe in-patient environment over a period of 3 months for people who require a client centred, recovery oriented Dual Diagnosis rehabilitation program.

This position is a 64 hours per fortnight, Monday to Friday position and co-exists with an 80 hours per fortnight Social Worker within our unit.

The Westside Lodge Social Worker will provide case management and counselling and also use their skill and expertise within their scope of practice, to make assertive linkages for clients in the rehabilitation centre to ensure they receive appropriate services on discharge.

Key responsibilities:

• Facilitate high-quality engagement, assessment, treatment, and support services to individuals and their families using best-practice principles, including Family Inclusive Practice, Family Violence, and MARAM principles.
• Work collaboratively with the DDRC Psychologist to support clients in their recovery during and following their rehabilitation admission.
• In collaboration with the Program/Quality Coordinator, participate in research, evaluation, and ongoing service review in conjunction with Grade 2 and 3 Social Workers.
• Participate in planning for clinical services.
• Facilitate assertive linkages to internal and external services.

About you:

• Appropriate recognised tertiary qualification: Bachelor/Master of Social Work degree and eligibility for AASW membership.
• Experience in the provision of services to individuals and/or families and groups affected by substance use and mental health, including the delivery of training and group work.
• Well-developed ability to effectively engage and manage complex clients and their issues.
• Understanding of and commitment to the principles and practises of harm minimisation in the AOD field.
• Demonstrated case management skills.

Click here for the Position Description.

About Western Health

Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.

We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.

We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges.

Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall.

Why join us?

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.
• Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.
• Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.

Learning and development opportunities

• Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways.
• Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.
• Mentorship and career support.

Community impact and inclusion

• Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care.
• Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.
• Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.

Organisational culture and environment

• Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.
• Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re passionate about the delivery of Best Care, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts.

If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.

Closing date: 11:59pm on 23 July 2026.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Linda Kelly on (03) 8345 4010.

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).

Western Health is committed to the psychosocial safety of all applicants and employees.

Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.

Western Health