Farmgate Counsellor

NSW Health; Hart's Location (NH); Remote; USD 72,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health service is seeking a Farm Gate Counsellor to provide crucial mental health and emotional support to farmers and communities in New England Northwest. The role requires a recognized degree in Occupational Therapy, Psychology, or Social Work, along with exceptional counselling skills, empathy, and the ability to work independently. Competitive salary and supportive environment provided.

Benefits

4 weeks annual leave

Monthly Allocated Days Off

Salary packaging options

Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Degree providing eligibility or membership in relevant professional association.
• Ability to provide mental health assessments to adults and children.
• Willingness to travel as part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality specialist counselling to individuals and families.
• Provide clinical supervision and leadership to less experienced practitioners.
• Work to meet the unique needs of rural farming communities.

Skills

Mental health assessments

Counseling skills

Interpersonal skills

Empathy

Education

Recognised degree in Occupational Therapy, Psychology, or Social Work

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Lead, Support, and Empower – Become the Voice of Mental Wellbeing in Farming Communities.

Remuneration: $109,247 - $133,156 per annum + super

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until June 2026

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

Location: Negotiable across the New England Northwest region

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ604375

Applications Close: Thursday, 2nd October 2025

Where you\'ll be working

The New England Northwest region is a vibrant rural community known for its strong agricultural heritage and resilient farming families. Offering a blend of natural beauty, tight-knit communities, this area provides an enriching environment for professionals passionate about making a real difference in rural mental health.

About the role

The Farm Gate Program provides crucial mental health and emotional support to farmers, farming families, local businesses, and service providers who face numerous adversities in regional and rural communities. Our dedicated team comprises Counsellors and Peer Workers committed to meeting the unique needs of these communities.

In this role, you will be part of a small team based in New England Northwest (with some travel and outreach required). As the Farm Gate Counsellor, you will deliver high-quality specialist counselling to individuals, families, and agricultural groups affected by natural disasters and ongoing stressors.

Working in partnership with the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, you will also provide clinical supervision and leadership to less experienced practitioners, ensuring the delivery of best-practice mental health care across disaster-affected communities.

What is the Farm Gate program? Read the brochure our clients receive.

About you

A strong dedication to rural and regional communities is vital, along with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by farming families. These challenges include natural disasters such as drought, economic pressures, infrastructure limitations, social isolation, and ongoing changes within local industries.

You will have a proven ability to support individuals, couples, and families through prolonged stress and adversity. Exceptional interpersonal skills and empathy, combined with the capacity to work independently in remote settings, will be key to your effectiveness.

Additionally, a commitment to clinical leadership, ongoing professional development, and collaborative work within a multidisciplinary team will ensure your success and growth in this role. You will be supported in this position by a thorough orientation period with continued training and educational opportunities provided.

Requirements

• Recognised degree in a relevant profession (Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work) that provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association, or full registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility to drive in NSW, with a willingness to travel as part of the role, including potential overnight stays.
• Demonstrated ability to provide mental health assessments and counselling, including risk assessment, to both adults and children.

What we can offer you

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:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Additional information

• This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.
• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.

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 Melissa Rose 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: 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 agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

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. 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.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact [e-mail] for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.