Social Workers unite for stronger professional standards

Social Workers unite for stronger professional standards

Did you know the HSU is entitled to have representatives on all grading committees that consider positions Social Workers are eligible to apply for?
 
HSU social workers stand united as one profession and one voice. Across LHDs, regions, roles, and communities, we unite to ensure fair, consistent, and equitable grading standards – standards that honour the integrity of our work and the people we serve.
 
Social workers' collective expertise strengthens our profession, amplifies our representation, and helps establish a statewide approach grounded in justice, accountability, and shared purpose.
 
We need more senior (level 3 and above) Social Workers to support this work.
 
You can contribute in the following ways:
 
  1. Become a regular HSU representative on a grading committee: 
  • Attend monthly meetings.
  • Time commitment: 1-1.5 hours per month, depending on the number of positions being considered. Some months may have no meetings.

 

  1. Join as a casual/backup representative: 
  • Provide support when a regular member is on leave or where a conflict of interest arises.
  • Time commitment: 1-1.5 hours, likely only a few times per year.

 

  1. Be available for consultation: 
  • Provide advice to grading committee representatives in your area of expertise.
  • Time commitment: as needed and based on your availability, likely only a few times a year.

 
The HSU supports paid work time for members participating in committee duties.
 
Social Workers are strongly encouraged to complete this EOI survey re grading committees: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sw-grading-committees

    • Related Articles

    • Social Media Call Out: Allied Health Award Reform

      Friday 20 February, 2026 HSU Allied Health social media pages are up and running, and now is the time for HSU members with a creative flair or spark to help produce and guide the content! Throughout this year a real focus will be on continuing to ...

    • Time to Vote – Allied Health Award Conciliation Outcomes and Arbitration Items

      Tuesday 28 April, 2026 Dear member, Overview HSU Allied Health Members are voting on the amended draft award which must be filed in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) no later than COB 4 May. The amended award draft reflects the previous 4 ...

    • Social Work Changes at Albury Wodonga Health (AWH)

      Tuesday 23 June, 2026 AWH has notified the HSU of proposed changes to the inpatient social work department. This is your opportunity to have a say on how this affects you. The proposal would see the introduction of 2 new clinical leader positions to ...

    • Social Work Award Reform Update (IRC Conciliation)

      Wednesday 18 February, 2026 The HSU Social Work bargaining team have conducted Industrial Relations Commission led conciliation throughout January and February on the HSU’s Social Work classification structure. Positive progress has occurred and the ...

    • COVID Exposure & Workers’ Compensation Entitlements for Health Workers

      Overview Health workers—including hospital staff, paramedics, public health employees, disability workers, aged care workers, allied health, and cleaning staff in health environments—are covered by special workers compensation protections if they ...