Farmgate Counsellor

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD); Lithgow City Council; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health service provider in Lithgow seeks a compassionate Farmgate Counsellor to support individuals in the agricultural sector. This role involves providing centre-based counselling, conducting outreach, and implementing evidence-based interventions to help those facing psychological distress due to climate-related challenges. Successful candidates will have advanced clinical skills and a relevant qualification. Competitive hourly rates are offered, along with a supportive work environment focused on community wellbeing.

Benefits

Accrued Day Off (ADO)

Salary Packaging opportunities

Educational training programs

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Fitness Passport

Qualifications

• Eligibility for AASW membership for social work role.
• Demonstrated expertise in complex trauma and rural community impacts.
• Capacity to provide consultancy services and work autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Provide centre-based counselling services to individuals in agriculture.
• Conduct outreach activities and implement psychosocial interventions.
• Work with rural populations to offer tailored psychological support.

Skills

Recognised tertiary qualification in social work/psychology

Advanced clinical skills in mental health service

High level written and interpersonal communication

Ability to negotiate and influence stakeholders

Current unrestricted driver’s licence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work

Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology

Job description

Overview

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (up to 30/06/2026)

Location: Lithgow Community Health Centre

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ607243

Application Close: 06/10/2025

Position Classification & Remuneration: Dependent on Qualifications

Social Worker Level 4: $61.35 - $68.84 per hour

Clinical Psychologist: $55.09 - $67.15 per hour

Senior Psychologist: $60.12 - $65.14 per hour

CORE Values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment working with us will ensure your professional life is provided every opportunity to succeed and develop in your chosen career role.

About Us

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) is a wonderful place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge. As a recognised leader in the healthcare industry, we provide a range of public health services to the Nepean, Blue Mountains, and Lithgow Region.

NBMLHD Community Mental Health offers a range of specialised services for children, young people, families and older people, through our community-based services and health centres. Our multidisciplinary health professionals and case managers take a collaborative approach to mental health care by linking with their patients to work together and consult within an environment appropriate to the person\'s needs.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Farmgate Counsellor to provide vital support to individuals and communities within the agricultural and primary industry sectors who are experiencing significant stress due to climate-related challenges and natural disasters such as fire and drought. This role involves delivering centre-based counselling services, conducting outreach activities, and implementing evidence-based psychosocial interventions and assessments.

The successful candidate will work closely with rural and remote populations, offering tailored support to those facing psychological distress and contributing to the wellbeing and resilience of farming communities across the region. If you\'re passionate about supporting rural communities and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by environmental hardship, we invite you to apply for the role of Farmgate Counsellor.

The Welcome Experience: Regional NSW – Make the move!

NSW Government offers a free service to essential workers and their families who are considering or in the process of moving to regional NSW. The Welcome Experience joins Local Connectors with essential workers to provide support which is tailored to the specific needs of the individual or family offering support with relocation, housing, education, social connections, accessibility and healthcare, leisure and recreation and Cultural connections.

Please visit The Welcome Experience website to learn about this free service or register now for a Local Connector to contact you by completing the registration form.

Benefits

• Accrued Day Off (ADO)
• Opportunity for extra tax savings through Salary Packaging
• Novated Leasing
• Great education opportunities through Education Training Service which offers over 110 courses each year
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Fitness Passport

NBMLHD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment which reflects the community we serve. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+, Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people, neurodiverse individuals, and people with disabilities to apply.

NBMLHD is committed to implementing the child safe standards. For more information, please click here Child Safe Standards.

For assistance with applying through the NSW Health Career Portal please click here.

What You Will Bring To The Role

• Recognised tertiary qualification as below: a) Social Work: Minimum bachelor’s degree in social work and eligibility for AASW membership. b) Senior Psychologist: A registered psychologist with Psychology Board of Australia & have completed a minimum of 1 year at the 9th year of service & thereafter point on the salary scale for Psychologist. c) Clinical Psychologist: Fully registered psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Hold a master’s degree or higher in Clinical Psychology or a relevant Area of Practice Endorsement. Endorsement in Clinical Psychology / relevant Area of Practice Endorsement or working towards endorsement
• Demonstrated advanced clinical skills and knowledge of mental health service provision with expertise in complex trauma, and the impacts of disaster upon rural communities, and capacity to provide a consultancy service and work autonomously exercising professional judgement in managing complex psycho-social and mental health issues.
• High level written and interpersonal communication skills with proven ability to negotiate, influence and cultivate relationships with stakeholders.
• Liaise with partnering stakeholders to ensure continuity of consumer care while cultivating respectful and collaborative partnerships with other care providers and with Government and non-Government organisations, to create effective communication and information exchange pathways to improve continuity of consumer care.
• Evidence of current unrestricted driver’s licence. Ability and willingness to drive/ travel as role demands.

Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable permanent resident or citizen of Australia has been identified and must not exceed the duration or conditions associated with the current visa.

Need more information?

• Click here for the Position Description
• Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Rachael Mulley on [e-mail]