MERIT Counsellor / Caseworker - Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services

NSW Health; Tamworth; On-site; AUD 72,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading health service in Tamworth as a Counsellor, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, or Social Worker. Support clients in recovery through the MERIT program, providing essential counselling and guidance. Enjoy a permanent full-time role with competitive remuneration and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Scholarships and grants for training

Salary packaging options

Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program

ADO's each month

Qualifications

• Must hold a relevant degree or equivalent experience in counselling.
• Eligible to drive in NSW and travel for work.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one counselling and casework.
• Support clients through the Court process.

Skills

Counselling techniques

Communication

Education

Degree in Social Work

Degree in Psychology

Degree in Nursing

Degree in Counselling

Degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Walk alongside clients on their recovery journey - offering support, hope, and healing through the MERIT program

Remuneration: $72,152 - $113,226 per annum (d ependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Tamworth Community Health Service
Employment Type : Permanent Full Time
Position Classification : Counsellor Level 1/2, Occupational Therapist Level 1/2, Psychologist, Registered Nurse, Social Worker Level 1/2
Requisition ID: REQ571623
Applications Close: Sunday 25th May 2025

At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:

• You can access scholarships or grants to support your ongoing training and professional development Scholarships & Grants for Health Care Education & Training | HETI
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• ADO's each month (for full time employees)
• Salary packaging options
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals
  

About the role:

This role will see you working with clients that have an identified drug use dependence and criminal justice involvement. MERIT is a 12-week program covering Tamworth local court. Part of the role will be providing one on one counselling and casework, as well as supporting clients through the Court process while on the MERIT Program.

You will work closely with a broad range of professionals, including Direct Service Managers, other MERIT Colleagues, Administration staff, our Allied Health Lead and our Nurse Manager. You will also work with an Aboriginal Health Practitioner who will provide cultural support to clients who identify as Aboriginal.

Where you’ll be working:

Tamworth is a modern, progressive city set in a picturesque backdrop of tree covered mountains. Renowned for its diversity and experiences, Tamworth proves that a rural lifestyle can be complimented by a thriving city experience. Make life-long friends and embrace the incredible lifestyle that Tamworth has to offer!

About you:

This role would be perfect for someone with:

• A base knowledge of counselling techniques
• The ability to work well in a team, as well as independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• A willingness to learn new things!

Requirements :

• Must hold a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Counselling, Occupational Therapy or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer, which provides either eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association or full registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency OR; extensive experience providing drug and alcohol counselling/ case management and willingness to work towards a relevant qualification.
• Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes, which may involve driving long distances.

Additional Information:

• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate isidentified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• This position is full time; however, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
• Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) 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.
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Need more information?

1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Patricia Skelton on [e-mail]

Information for Applicants:

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and s election criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

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

This is a Category A position . Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD202 4_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

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