MERIT Counsellor/Caseworker- Level 1/2

Support recovery, empower change, and help shape brighter futures through the MERIT Program.

Remuneration: $79,419 - $122,465 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Moree Community Health Service
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Counsellor Level 1/2, Social Worker Level 1/2, Psychologist, Registered Nurse
Requisition ID: REQ681378
Applications Close: Wednesday 19th August 2026

About the role

As a member of the MERIT Program, you will support clients with identified drug and alcohol dependence who are involved in the criminal justice system. This 12-week program operates through the Moree Local Court and focuses on helping clients engage in treatment while progressing through the court process. The role includes providing individual counselling, case management, and ongoing support throughout the program.

Where you'll be working

You will join a supportive multidisciplinary MERIT team comprising Nurses, Psychologists, a Social Worker, and Administration staff. Together, the team delivers counselling and case management services to people with drug and alcohol dependence who have contact with the criminal justice system, helping clients achieve positive outcomes through a collaborative approach.

About you

You are a motivated and compassionate professional with an interest in supporting people experiencing drug and alcohol dependence. You have knowledge of counselling techniques, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Most importantly, you are eager to learn and committed to delivering high-quality client care.

Requirements:
 

• Must hold a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Counselling, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer, which provides either eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association or full registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

• Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes, which may involve driving long distances.
   

What we offer

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

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.   

How to apply:

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

1. Demonstrated capacity to provide drug and alcohol practice including comprehensive assessment, intervention, evidence-based counselling models of care and ability to apply case management principles.
2. Evidence of effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences and provide quality written and oral reports.
3. Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

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 Donna Towers on donna.towers@health.nsw.gov.au