NSW Government

NSW Government Graduate Program - Social Work Stream 

• Join the NSW Government – an employer of 400,000+ people.  
• Help shape the future of NSW communities.  
• Secure a permanent role on successful program completion.  
• Open to graduates from all degrees and disciplines.  

Program at a glance: 18-month program starting 1 February 2027 and finishing 6 August 2028.  

Make an impact at scale  

Make a difference for communities across NSW. From day one you’ll contribute to work that helps make NSW a better place to live, work and visit.  With opportunities across multiple business areas, you’ll build transferable skills and broaden your experience.  More than 20 departments and agencies employ graduates through our program, helping develop the next generation of public sector leaders.  

Our award-winning program  

The NSW Government Graduate Program gives you a wide range of experiences. Our program suits driven, open-minded graduates. The program is structured so you can spend time with your cohort, building a network of peers across the sector. You will have a dedicated mentor to support you for the length of the program.  You will do meaningful work on the job, plus complete a learning and development program tailored to your stream. 

Start your social work career with NSW's biggest employer 

Are you interested in working with children, young people and their families and carers to bring about support, protection, and safety? 

In the NSW Government Graduate Program Social Work stream, you’ll play a part in transforming the lives of vulnerable children. You’ll apply your knowledge and skills to improve the lives of children, adults, families, and communities who often experience disadvantage and live in varied and challenging circumstances. In the Social Work stream, you’ll learn about how child protection works across systems, policies and practice. 

What's in it for you? 

• Pathway to becoming a case worker 
• Complete tailored case worker development training 
• Competitive salary from day one - $87,199* plus the employer’s contribution to superannuation (12%) and annual leave loading. 
• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects 
• Support – buddy and mentor 
• Networking events with your graduate cohort  
• Work life balance   
• Roles available in Regional NSW  
• Gain ongoing (permanent) employment once you finish 

Join a diverse workforce 

We welcome and strongly encourage applicants of all ages, genders, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, and those who are neurodivergent. Our graduate cohorts reflect the diversity of the community we serve. 

We are a Disability Confident Recruiter accredited by the Australian Disability Network. Our recruitment practices have been assessed to ensure we are adhering to best-practice inclusive recruitment.  

If you need any adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please reach out to Hugh Mitchell on +61 2 9272 6069 or email GradAdjustments@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au. We are here to ensure you have an equitable and accessible experience. 

Eligibility 

To apply for the 2027 NSW Government Graduate Program (Digital Stream), you must: 

• have completed or be completing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in social work, psychology or social science welfare  
• hold, or be in the process of obtaining, a visa that permits full-time work in Australia for the full 18‑month program duration (until 6 August 2028) 
• complete your degree (including any required work placements) between 1 June 2024 and 31 December 2026 
• be available to commence full-time work on 1 February 2027 

Visit our website for more information about the Digital Stream eligibility requirements: NSW Government Graduate Program. 

For more information read the full Role Description: Click here 

Apply 

If you’re inspired by the work we do and keen to make a real impact, we would be delighted to receive your application.  

Closing date: Wednesday 15 July 2026 (11:59AM AEST)