MERIT Counsellor/Caseworker- Level 1/2

💚 About the Role: | MERIT Counsellor/Caseworker – Level 1/2

As part of the MERIT Team, you’ll play a meaningful role in supporting clients experiencing drug and alcohol dependence alongside involvement with the criminal justice system. MERIT is a 12-week therapeutic program supporting clients through the Tamworth Local Court, providing an opportunity to make a genuine difference during a pivotal time in their recovery journey.

You’ll provide individual counselling and casework, while supporting clients to navigate the Court process and engage meaningfully with their treatment and recovery goals throughout the MERIT program.

Working within a highly collaborative and supportive environment, you’ll be well supported by the Service Manager, MERIT Clinical Lead, Allied Health Lead, fellow MERIT colleagues, Administration Officer and the broader DACS team.

You’ll also work closely with an Aboriginal Health Practitioner who provides culturally responsive support to Aboriginal clients, helping ensure care is respectful, inclusive and responsive to individual cultural needs.

✨ This opportunity also offers the potential for the position to transition to a permanent role in the future, providing an exciting pathway to continue your professional journey within the MERIT Team.

📍 Where You’ll Be Working:

The MERIT Team is a dynamic multidisciplinary service bringing together Counsellors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses and Administration professionals to provide coordinated, person-centred care.

The team provides specialised counselling and case management to clients experiencing drug and alcohol dependence who are also involved with the criminal justice system. Working collaboratively across disciplines, MERIT supports clients through their recovery journey, empowering positive change and helping improve health, wellbeing and quality of life.


📍 Tamworth Community Health Service:

Located in the heart of the beautiful New England region, Tamworth Community Health Service is a vibrant, community-focused service committed to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities across the region.

Offering a diverse range of integrated health services, the team delivers compassionate, person-centred care tailored to the unique needs of the local community. From primary care and mental health support through to specialised programs supporting families, young people and older adults, the service plays a vital role in creating healthier and more connected communities.

At Tamworth Community Health Service, you’ll be part of a dedicated team where collaboration, compassion and community impact come together - making a meaningful difference in the lives of people across the New England region.
 

Relocating? We've Got You Covered

Making a move can feel overwhelming, but support is available.

The Welcome Experience is a free service designed to help health workers and their families settle into regional communities. From connecting you with local schools, childcare providers, sporting clubs, housing information, and community networks, the program helps make your transition smoother so you can feel at home sooner and start enjoying everything your new community has to offer.

Learn More: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
 

What we can offer you:

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:

Supportive and collaborative team environment

Ongoing professional development opportunities across the administrative network

Career progression opportunities within NSW Health

Annual leave and paid parental leave for eligible employees

Salary packaging options to increase take-home pay

Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support wellbeing

Essential Requirements:

• Must hold a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Counselling, Occupational Therapy, 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.

If this sounds like you, we would love you to apply:

💬 Bring sound knowledge of counselling techniques and a compassionate, client-centred approach to care.
🤝 Thrive in a collaborative environment, with the confidence to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
✨ Communicate with clarity and professionalism, supported by strong written and interpersonal skills.
📚 Embrace continuous learning, professional development and opportunities to grow your clinical expertise.

Bring your dedication, professionalism, and heart for healthcare to our team - we can’t wait to hear from you!

Additional information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.

• 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.

• 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. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au  for confidential support.  

• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered 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. 
  
   

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

• 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.

• 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.

   

• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Need more information? 

• Click here for the Position Description 
• Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Donna Towers on donna.towers@health.nsw.gov.au

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