Child Protection Counsellor

NSW Health; Wallsend; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A health organization is seeking a Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, or Social Worker to support vulnerable families at the Wallsend Campus. This full-time, temporary role involves providing therapy and advocacy to families, focusing on child safety and recovery from trauma. Strong therapeutic skills and Level 3 qualifications are required. The position offers ongoing support and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Ongoing support from team

Access to professional development

Onsite parking

Flexible work practices

Salary packaging options

Fitness Passport

Additional days off each month

Qualifications

• Must hold relevant experience in Social Work, Psychology or Clinical Psychology.
• Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness to travel for work purposes.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapy, care coordination, and advocacy to families.
• Work alongside Child Protection Counsellors to ensure child safety.
• Support families recovering from trauma.

Skills

Strong therapeutic skills

Team player

Knowledge of child protection

Understanding of domestic violence

Commitment to Closing the Gap

Education

Level 3 tertiary qualifications in Social Work or Psychology

Job description

Overview

Make a real difference supporting vulnerable families — gain therapeutic experience in child protection, VAN, and family-centred care.

Remuneration: $77,358 – $133,156 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging

Location: Wallsend Campus

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time – Until June 2026

Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Social Worker Level 3

Requisition ID: REQ607457

Applications Close: Monday 6 October 2025

About the role

Looking for a role that allows you to work independently while still feeling supported by a close-knit, collaborative team? Join the Hunter Child Protection Counselling Service (CPCS) and make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable families.

This is a fantastic chance to gain valuable therapeutic experience in Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN). In this role, you’ll provide therapy, care coordination, and advocacy to families experiencing child protection concerns, working alongside dedicated Child Protection Counsellors and an Aboriginal Health and Family Worker. Together, we focus on child safety, strengthening parenting capacity, and supporting placement stability, restoration, and family preservation.

As an outreach service, we meet families within their communities — walking alongside them to keep children safe and support recovery from trauma.

Where you’ll be working

CPCS sits within the VAN stream of the Children, Young People and Families network. You’ll be based at the Harker Building, Wallsend Health Campus, conveniently located at the end of the Hunter Expressway.

You’ll benefit from a comprehensive orientation, hands-on learning, and ongoing professional development, with strong connections to Child Protection Counsellors across the district. ECAV training, regular supervision (both individual and group), and peer support are all part of how we help you refine your skills and continue to grow.

Our team culture is supportive, collaborative, and family-centred, with a strong focus on knowledge sharing, respect, and balance — while also making sure there’s room for fun.

About you

• You bring strong therapeutic skills to support families.
• You’re a team player who is passionate about working with vulnerable families and those who have experienced trauma.
• You have knowledge of child protection, domestic and family violence, and trauma — and a drive to deepen your expertise.
• You’re committed to Closing the Gap and enjoy working with Aboriginal families and communities.

What we offer

• Varied and meaningful work — no two days or families are the same.
• Ongoing support from your team leader, with strong links to other VAN services at Wallsend.
• A commitment to your professional growth: monthly group supervision, training, clinical review, and opportunities in evidence-based practice.
• The chance to work closely with our Aboriginal Family Health Worker.
• Free onsite parking.
• Flexible work practices to support both staff and families.
• ADOs each month (for full-time employees).
• Salary packaging options
• Fitness Passport

Requirements

• Must hold Level 3 tertiary qualifications and relevant experience in Social Work, Psychology or Clinical Psychology which provides eligibility or membership with the relevant professional association and/or holds general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
• Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness and ability to travel for work purposes.

Additional information

• We strongly encourage applicants who identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to apply.
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part-time and temporary full or part-time vacancies.
• This position is full time; however, part-time/job share arrangements or secondments may also be considered.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
• Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Need more information?

1) Position Description; 2) Applying for this position

For role-related queries, contact Kylie Croxton on [e-mail]

Information for Applicants

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description. For assistance addressing selection criteria, visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource to help Indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must comply with the policy.