Child Protection Counsellor

Support vulnerable families, strengthen futures, and thrive in a collaborative team.

Requisition ID: REQ675743

Employment Type: Full Time Permanent 
Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Social Worker Level 3
Remuneration: $83,670.00 - $144,021.00 + superannuation + salary packaging
Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week 
Location: Wallsend Campus
Applications Close: Sunday 23rd August 2026 

About the role:

Looking for a role where you can work autonomously while being supported by a close-knit, experienced team?

Join the Hunter Child Protection Counselling Service (CPCS) and use your therapeutic expertise to make a meaningful difference for children and families. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you'll provide assessment, therapeutic intervention, care coordination and advocacy for families involved with the child protection system, helping to strengthen parenting capacity, improve child safety, and support family preservation, restoration and placement stability.

This is an outreach role, working directly with families in their homes and communities across Greater Newcastle, with outreach clinics in locations such as Raymond Terrace when required. You'll enjoy a high level of autonomy while being supported by a collaborative team committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and families.

Where you’ll be working:

The Hunter Child Protection Counselling Service (CPCS) is part of the Violence, Abuse and Neglect stream within the Children, Young People and Families network. Based at the Harker Building on the Wallsend Health Campus at the end of the Hunter Expressway. You'll join a skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.

You'll be supported through a comprehensive orientation, ongoing professional development, ECAV training, and regular individual and group clinical supervision. We foster a collaborative, family-centred culture where knowledge is shared, successes are celebrated, and staff are supported to thrive.

About you

• You have strong therapeutic skills and experience working collaboratively with children, young people and families experiencing complex needs.
• You are a compassionate and enthusiastic team player who is committed to supporting vulnerable families impacted by trauma.
• You have knowledge of child protection, domestic and family violence, and trauma-informed practice, with a genuine commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
• You are committed to Closing the Gap and are passionate about working alongside Aboriginal children, families and communities in a culturally safe, respectful and strengths-based ways.
  
  Requirements 
  
  Must hold a qualification as well as relevant experience in Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition and Dietetics or Nursing which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

     Willingness and ability to participate in the on-call roster.  

     Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness and ability to travel for work purposes.

What we can offer:

At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero 
• 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 Worklife 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
• Enjoy free onsite parking

Additional information:

• 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 may also be considered.
• 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.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
• Creation of e-list for positions with VAN
  
  
  How to apply:
  
  Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

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 Teresa Perram on Teresa.Perram@health.nsw.gov.au

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.

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. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process. 

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2023_022: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specific Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most HNELHD employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.  

HNE Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.  
 

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