MERIT Counsellor / Caseworker - Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services - Incentives Offered

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

Job summary

A regional health service in Tamworth seeks a professional to support clients through recovery. The role involves counseling and casework, assisting clients within the MERIT Program, and working collaboratively with a diverse team. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and strong communication skills, along with a commitment to community engagement.

Benefits

Up to $10,000 in incentives during the first 12 months

Scholarships or grants for ongoing training

Salary packaging options

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Must hold a relevant degree or equivalent experience in drug and alcohol counseling.
• Eligible to drive in NSW and willing to travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one counseling and casework for clients in the MERIT Program.
• Guide and support clients through the court process during their treatment journey.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals.

Skills

Knowledge of basic counseling techniques

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Willingness to learn and develop new skills

Education

Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Counseling, Occupational Therapy or equivalent

Job description

Support clients through recovery and court with the MERIT Program - make a difference in Tamworth’s vibrant and welcoming community

Remuneration: $72,152 - $113,226 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives
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: REQ596241
Applications Close: Tuesday 12th August 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:

• Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*
• 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:

In this role, you’ll work with clients experiencing drug dependence and involvement with the criminal justice system. You will be part of the MERIT Program, a 12-week initiative supporting individuals through their treatment journey.

Your responsibilities will include providing one-on-one counselling and casework, as well as guiding and supporting clients through the court process during their participation in the MERIT Program.

You’ll collaborate with a diverse team of professionals, including Direct Service Managers, fellow MERIT colleagues, administration staff, our Allied Health Lead, and our Nurse Manager. You will also work alongside an Aboriginal Health Practitioner, who offers vital cultural support to clients who identify as Aboriginal.

Where you'll be working:

Based in Tamworth, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: the warmth of a rural community combined with the amenities of a modern city. Surrounded by scenic mountain landscapes, Tamworth offers a vibrant lifestyle, a welcoming community, and endless opportunities to make meaningful connections.

About you:

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Knowledgeable in basic counselling techniques

• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team

• An excellent communicator with strong verbal and written skills

• Open to learning and developing new skills

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:

• * Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. Please note: if your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme . For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact [e-mail] .
• 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 is identified 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 selection 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 indigenous 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 PD2024_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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