Defence Social Worker

The key duties of the position include: The Role Defence Social Workers deliver a broad range of support services and programs to Defence Command, members and families, plus undertake critical assessments to assist Commanders in making decisions that impact Defence families and Defence capability. Defence Social Workers will: Conduct quality assessments and write reports to assist in decision making processes; Provide complex social work services in a generalist practice framework, including comprehensive assessments, bereavement support, brief intervention and referrals to enhance the social functioning of Australian Defence Force personnel and their families; Provide support to Defence families to manage the military lifestyle; Provide training to Defence members and Command; psychosocial programs to Defence families; Assist Defence families engage with their communities and local services; Deliver DMFS’s suite of national programs-partner employment, education and critical incidents to Defence families; Operate within the boundaries of organisational processes and policies providing brief interventions, critical incident management, psychosocial assessments, social work reports, and works across the multidisciplinary team supporting community capacity building. About our Team Bring your skills and ambition to our team! Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Branch is a diverse and inclusive workplace which offers a broad range of programs and services to help Commanders, Australian Defence Force members and their families manage the military lifestyle. DMFS supports Defence families’ self-reliance and capacity to engage with community agencies. Defence Social Workers provide support to all three services - Navy, Army and Air Force. The role requires working both autonomously and collaboratively within a dynamic multi-disciplinary environment with Military Support Officers, Defence Social Workers, Family Liaison Officers, an Educational Liaison Officer and a Business Support Officer. You will have a Social Worker peer network across Australia. You will directly assist members and their families adapt to the requirements of a mobile military lifestyle. Our Ideal Candidate You will demonstrate strong assessment, counselling, case planning, report writing and community capacity building knowledge and skills. You will possess the ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams and be part of an organisation where professionalism, innovation and the ability to find creative solutions to challenges is highly regarded. Our Ideal Candidate: Applies professional expertise in social work; Operates within the boundaries of organisational processes and policies to provide brief interventions, critical incident management, psychosocial assessments and social work reports; Uses judgement to identify and resolve problems objectively; Builds and sustains positive relationships with team members, stakeholders and clients; Possesses strong stakeholder engagement skills; Possesses an ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines; Be able to participate in some after hours and weekend work, including travel on occasions. Eligibility Security Clearance: Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Baseline Vetting” level. Getting to know the Department of Defence The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers

Location: Cairns, Queensland, AU

Posted Date: 11/16/2025