Obstetrics/Dialysis
48 - 56 hrs per fn
The Social Worker in the Obstetrics Unit forms an integral part of a multidisciplinary team. The Social Worker will provide emotional and practical support to women and their families, particularly whilst they are an inpatient of the hospital. There is a limited service provided to antenatal women who are not admitted patients.
Primary tasks include undertaking psychosocial assessments, support whilst in the hospital, and referral to external community agencies if ongoing support is required. The issues women and families may identify include, but are not limited to:
- Limited family &/or community supports
- Financial, accommodation and legal issues
- Previous history of Postnatal depression or other mental health issues
- Family violence/relationship issues
- Previous or current history of drug &/or alcohol abuse
- Transfer of patient/s to tertiary centres
- Specific requirements due to extended admission of baby in the Special Care Nursery.
- Bereavement support for miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.
- Involvement with Child Protection Services both in NSW or Victoria.
Women and families often have multiple issues that require addressing, so a key role of the position is to be able to assess the priority of these issues and to address the more pertinent of these.
The Social Worker in the Dialysis Unit is called upon to support patients and their families. This support consists of helping patients adjust to dialysis, assist with transport issues, and participate in family meetings. Whilst the Dialysis Unit is allocated 4 hours per week of Social Work support, the Dialysis Unit will call the Social Worker when required.
Further to the above duties, the Social Worker participates in a roster system to provide Social Work to the Emergency Department, as well as emergency and other cover to all areas of the hospital, including the Surgical and Day Surgery Units, Medical Unit, Medical Rehabilitation Unit and Community Rehabilitation Unit. This cover is often organized in advance to cover other Social Workers leave periods, however can be required at short notice in the case of sick leave or crisis situations.
Salary and conditions of employment will be according to qualifications and experience.
Wodonga Campus has a commitment to providing professional development opportunities and support for all staff.
Further enquiries should be directed to Elizabeth Wood or Denise Seymour on (02) 6051 7400.
Applications addressing the selection criteria, with CV and referee information should be forwarded by no later than Midday on Friday 11th June 2010 to:
Director of Human Resources
Albury Wodonga Health
PO Box 156
Wodonga Vic 3689
Social Worker - Grade 2 Position Description (503 KB)
