Aboriginal Counsellor / Sexual Assault Counsellor - Incentives Offered - Identified

Make a meaningful difference. Walk alongside community. Help children and families heal.

Remuneration: $64,979 - $120,680 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives
Location: Tamworth Community Health Service | Kamilaroi/Gomeroi Country
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/2/3, Counsellor Level 1/2/3, Psychologist, Sexual Assault Worker non-graduate
Requisition ID: REQ656309
Applications Close: Thursday 14th May 2026

This is a position identified for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people on the basis of a genuine occupational qualification under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criteria.

Applicants must be female - under Section 31 (2) (h) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. 

Are you passionate about supporting Aboriginal children, families, and communities to heal, feel safe, and thrive? 

Whether you’re already working in this space or looking to take the next step, (or even make a meaningful career change) we invite you to join our Child and Family Health Allied Health team within the Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN) Service. 

As an Aboriginal Counsellor, you will: 

• Provide specialist, culturally safe counselling and support to people impacted by sexual assault and trauma.

• You’ll be part of a supportive, values-led environment where Aboriginal voices are respected, cultural knowledge is central, and your contribution truly matters.

• With strong on-the-job learning and development, this is a role where you can grow your skills while making a real impact. 

Completion of the ECAV qualification pathway (Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services – Interpersonal Trauma) at a minimum is preferred. However, we welcome applications from candidates who are willing to undertake this study and build their capability in the role. 

This role offers the chance to live and work in a regional community, with significant incentives available for those relocating, including up to $10,000 in your first 12 months, plus up to $5,000 each year thereafter, paid fortnightly under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.
 

Why join us?

When you join our team, you’ll be supported, valued, and encouraged to grow, personally, professionally, and culturally.

• Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing support – Including structured orientation, individual clinical supervision, cultural supervision, and support from a dedicated Professional Lead.
• Commitment to your development – Access ongoing education, training, and professional development to strengthen your skills and career pathway.
• A connected, collaborative workplace – Work alongside a supportive multidisciplinary team across Child & Family Health, Mental Health, and Allied Health.
• A culture of learning and reflection – Be part of a service that values reflective practice, peer learning, CPD days, and discipline-specific meetings.
• Opportunities to progress through career advancement and clinical leadership pathways.

What you’ll be doing

In this rewarding role, you will:

• Provide culturally responsive counselling, advocacy, and case support to children and adults who have experienced recent or historical sexual assault.
• Deliver crisis responses within the Tamworth Hospital Emergency Department, coordinating medical forensic care and working closely with hospital staff and community partners.
• Collaborate with Sexual Assault Counsellors and VAN clinicians to ensure all clients receive trauma-informed, compassionate, and confidential care.
• Strengthen outcomes for Aboriginal children and families by providing cultural leadership, consultation, and advocacy across services.
• Build strong, respectful relationships with community—participating in local and national events on Country to promote healing, safety, and wellbeing.
• Be part of a team that values culture, connection, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Who we're looking for? 

You bring heart, culture, and commitment to your work. You understand the strength that comes from connection - to culture, community, and story - and you carry this into everything you do.

You are someone who is:

• Guided by culture – You centre Aboriginal perspectives and create spaces that are safe, respectful, and empowering for children, families, and communities.
• Trauma-informed and client-centred – You approach complex and sensitive situations with empathy, calm, and care.
• Collaborative and community-focused – You work effectively alongside NSW Police, DCJ, mental health teams, and community organisations to deliver holistic, culturally safe care.
• Committed to advocacy and healing – You are passionate about improving outcomes for Aboriginal people and bring courage, respect, and hope to your work every day.

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:

• 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.*
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero Proximity to shopping and other services
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true work life balance
• 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 
  
  
   
  
   

Requirements 

• Current Unrestricted NSW driver's licence
   

Accepted Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Social Work, which provides eligibility for membership to Australian Association of Social Workers;
• Degree in Psychology, with full registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia;
• Tertiary qualifications in Counselling or Welfare from a recognised and accepted education provider as deemed appropriate by the employer;
• Completed ECAV qualification pathway - Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services (Interpersonal Trauma) or willingness to complete.

How to apply:

Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

1. Can you describe your knowledge and experience in working with issues related to sexual assault, family violence, and historical child protection interventions, including your understanding of how these issues have impacted Aboriginal people?
2. Can you provide examples that demonstrate your advanced skills in individual and group counselling for Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people within a trauma framework, and your experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop, deliver and evaluate programs related to sexual assault, family violence, child abuse, or neglect?
3. How have you demonstrated strong reasoning skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary or interagency teams, and high-level written, oral, and organisational skills? Please also describe your experience using computer programs such as Microsoft Office.

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 HNELHD-RuralIncentives@health.nsw.gov.au. 
• 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.
• 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.  
• This position is full time; however, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
• 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) Click here for the Position Description 
  2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Marisa Barnes on Marisa.Barnes@health.nsw.gov.au