Sexual Assault Counsellor - Aboriginal Counsellor - Identified

Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed support to Aboriginal survivors of sexual assault – make a real difference in your community

Remuneration: $73,427 – $116,038 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Tamworth Community Health Service | Kamilaroi/Gomeroi Country
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/2/3
Requisition ID: REQ604942
Applications Close: Thursday 9^th October 2025

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. 

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

• 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

Are you passionate about providing culturally safe, trauma-informed support to Aboriginal children, adults, and families impacted by sexual assault? Do you want to work in a collaborative, supportive environment where your skills and cultural knowledge make a real difference?

About the role

As an Aboriginal Counsellor within our Child and Family Health Allied Health team, which is a part of the broader Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN) team, you will:

• Provide specialist one-on-one counselling, support, and advocacy to children and adults who have experienced recent or historical sexual assault.
• Respond to crises in the Tamworth Hospital Emergency Department, coordinating medical forensic care and collaborating with healthcare professionals and external services.
• Work closely with other Sexual Assault Counsellors to ensure clients receive empathetic, confidential, and culturally safe care.
• Engage in leadership, provide consultation, and help connect services supporting Aboriginal children and families.
• Participate in community events, connecting with Aboriginal communities on Country at local and national levels.

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Puts clients at the centre of all decision-making, providing culturally safe and trauma-informed support.
• Has strong communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with partner agencies, including mental health services, NSW Police, and the Department of Communities and Justice.
• Brings a deep understanding of Aboriginal cultural perspectives and the ability to embed this into counselling, advocacy, and community engagement.

What we offer

• Thorough orientation and access to individual supervision, cultural supervision, and a dedicated Professional Lead for guidance and mentorship.
• Opportunities for ongoing education, training, and professional development.
• Supportive team environment with access to a broad network of community health services across child and family health, mental health, and allied health.
• A culture that encourages reflective practice, peer learning, and growth, including regular district-wide CPD days and local discipline-specific meetings.

If you are committed to providing culturally safe, client-centred care and want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Aboriginal children, adults, and families, we would love to hear from you.

Requirements:

• Holds as a minimum a bachelor’s degree in social work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer.

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 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.

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