Child Protection Counsellor
Make a real difference supporting vulnerable families - gain therapeutic experience in child protection, VAN, and family-centred care
Remuneration: $77,358 – $133,156 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Wallsend Campus
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time – Until June 2026
Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist., Psychologist., Social Worker Level 3
Requisition ID: REQ607457
Applications Close: Monday 6th October 2025
This is a Level 3 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 3 applicants, applications from Level 1 and 2 will be considered. The selection criteria reflects the requirements for a Level 3 applicant. Responses from Level 1 or 2 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to the same criteria and their ability to work towards Level 3. The expected performance of the incumbent will be commensurate with his/her years of experience and current level at commencement of appointment. The incumbent will work towards meeting the criteria for Level 3.
About the role
Looking for a role that allows you to work independently while still feeling supported by a close-knit, collaborative team? Join the Hunter Child Protection Counselling Service (CPCS) and make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable families.
This is a fantastic chance to gain valuable therapeutic experience in Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN). In this role, you’ll provide therapy, care coordination, and advocacy to families experiencing child protection concerns, working alongside dedicated Child Protection Counsellors and an Aboriginal Health and Family Worker. Together, we focus on child safety, strengthening parenting capacity, and supporting placement stability, restoration, and family preservation.
As an outreach service, we meet families within their communities - walking alongside them to keep children safe and support recovery from trauma.
Where you’ll be working
CPCS sits within the VAN stream of the Children, Young People and Families network. You’ll be based at the Harker Building, Wallsend Health Campus, conveniently located at the end of the Hunter Expressway.
You’ll benefit from a comprehensive orientation, hands-on learning, and ongoing professional development, with strong connections to Child Protection Counsellors across the district. ECAV training, regular supervision (both individual and group), and peer support are all part of how we help you refine your skills and continue to grow.
Our team culture is supportive, collaborative, and family-centred, with a strong focus on knowledge sharing, respect, and balance - while also making sure there’s room for fun.
About you
You bring strong therapeutic skills to support families.
You’re a team player who is passionate about working with vulnerable families and those who have experienced trauma.
You have knowledge of child protection, domestic and family violence, and trauma - and a drive to deepen your expertise.
You’re committed to Closing the Gap and enjoy working with Aboriginal families and communities.
What we offer
Varied and meaningful work - no two days or families are the same.
Ongoing support from your team leader, with strong links to other VAN services at Wallsend.
A commitment to your professional growth: monthly group supervision, training, clinical review, and opportunities in evidence-based practice.
The chance to work closely with our Aboriginal Family Health Worker.
Free onsite parking.
Flexible work practices to support both staff and families.
ADO's each month (for full time employees)
Salary packaging options
Fitness Passport
Requirements:
Must hold Level 3 tertiary qualifications and relevant experience in Social Work, Psychology or Clinical Psychology which provides eligibility or membership with the relevant professional association and/or holds general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness and ability to travel for work purposes.
Additional information:
We strongly encourage applicants who identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to apply.
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements or secondments may also be considered.
We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
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 Kylie Croxton on Kylie.Croxton@health.nsw.gov.auInformation 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.
