MERIT Caseworker

Murrumbidgee Local Health District; Albury City; Hybrid; AUD 79,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

Relocation assistance

Sponsorship considerations

Annual leave with 17.5% loading

Job summary

Murrumbidgee Local Health District is recruiting for a MERIT Caseworker to provide AOD assessment and intensive case management within a multidisciplinary team in Albury/Griffith. You will prepare reports for Local Courts and coordinate care with health and community services to support recovery outcomes.

The role offers flexible hours, hybrid work, and staff wellbeing benefits, with a clear focus on reducing reoffending and improving health and social outcomes for clients.

Qualifications

• Provide high-quality Alcohol and Other Drug assessments.
• Deliver intensive case management and therapeutic interventions.
• Collaborate with courts, health services and community agencies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive AOD assessments and identify treatment needs, risks and barriers to recovery.
• Develop, implement and review individualised case plans for treatment and recovery pathways.
• Prepare professional reports and provide expert advice to Local Courts on client suitability and progress.
• Deliver counselling and referrals across health, housing, employment and social support.
• Build partnerships with courts and community agencies to ensure coordinated care.

Skills

AOD assessment

Case management

Counselling

Interagency collaboration

Education

Australian recognised qualification and registration (AHPRA / PACFA)

Job description

Murrumbidgee Local Health District – Albury NSW

Looking for a rewarding clinical role that offers genuine work-life balance while creating positive change in your community? Join the dedicated and highly respected Magistrates' Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program, where you'll support individuals experiencing alcohol and other drug challenges to break the cycle of substance dependence and involvement with the criminal justice system.

As a MERIT Caseworker, you'll work collaboratively with courts, health professionals and community partners to help clients access treatment, build resilience and achieve meaningful recovery outcomes. This is an opportunity to use your clinical expertise in a supportive multidisciplinary environment while making a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable community members.

12% superannuation
Salary packaging and novated leasing
Annual leave with 17.5% leave loading (for full-time and part-time staff)
Relocation Assistance Considerations
482 sponsorship considerations

Work-Life Balance

Flexible work options, including hybrid and varied hours (depending on the role)
Paid maternity and parental leave (for more information)
Generous leave options like long service and carers leave

Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport
Free and confidential support for staff and their families via our Staff Wellbeing and Support Service (EAP)
Wellbeing programs that promote mental health, resilience, and balance

Employment type:Full Time, Part Time and casual opportunities available
Position classification:Social Worker level 1 / 2, Registered Nurse, Counsellor level 1 / 2 with PACFA membership or Psychologist
Remuneration:$79,419.00 – $122,465.00 per annum (+ super +17.5% leave loading where applicable)
Hours per week:Up to 38 hours
Requisition ID:REQ691941
Vaccination Category:A
Location:2x Positions available Griffith / 1x Position available Albury

Who we are

The Magistrates' Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program provides case management for defendants who have entered the criminal justice system and have a demonstrable Alcohol or other drug problem. The purpose of this position is to provide accurate assessments and written reports to the Courts and facilitate intensive case management of defendants throughout the bail period.

What you’ll be doing

As a MERIT Caseworker, you will provide high-quality Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) assessment, case management and therapeutic intervention services to clients referred through the Local Courts, supporting improved health, social and legal outcomes.

Key responsibility’s include;

• Conduct comprehensive alcohol and other drug assessments, identifying treatment needs, risks and barriers to recovery.
• Develop, implement and regularly review individualised case plans to support clients through treatment, rehabilitation and recovery pathways.
• Prepare professional reports and provide expert advice to Local Courts regarding client suitability, progress and outcomes within the MERIT program.
• Deliver intensive case management, counselling and referrals across a range of areas including health, housing, employment, relationships and social support services.
• Build strong partnerships with courts, health services and community agencies to ensure coordinated, client-centred care and successful treatment outcomes.
  

Candidates will be required to meet the following criteria:

• Australian recognised qualification and registration and/or membership with governing body (ie. AHPRA / AASW / PACFA) ensure to upload evidence
• NSW Working with children clearance
• Compliance with Vaccination category A
• Current driver’s licence and willingness to travel as required
  

For role related queries or questions contact Casey Doyle, A/Manager Strategic Development Drug & Alcohol & Early Intervention Programs on 0461 397 *** or***********@health.nsw.gov.au

Applications close:8 October 2026

This is a NSW Health Category A position which requires immunisation and screening for certain diseases. The full list of requirements are outlined intheNSW Health OASV Policy(Page 11).You will be required to complete theOASV Undertaking/ Declaration FormandTB Assessment Toolduring the recruitment process. Please upload this with your application along with any other vaccination evidence that you may have.
MLHD values diversity and is committed to building an inclusive workplace culture that reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from diverse community groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTI, people with a disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
NSW Health is committed to implementing theChild Safe Standards.