New Street Counsellor - Identified - Incentives Offered

Help young people heal, grow, and reconnect - join a supportive team creating safer futures through culturally grounded early intervention

Remuneration: $112,396 – $147,108 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Kamilaroi & Gomeroi Countries | Tamworth 
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Counsellor Level 3, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Senior Psychologist, Social Worker Level 3
Requisition ID: REQ613041
Applications Close: Sunday 19th 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.

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

We’re seeking a passionate professional to join our team supporting children aged 10–17 who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour. In this unique role, you’ll work directly with young people and their families, providing therapeutic interventions and culturally responsive care that enhances safety, restores relationships, and promotes healing and wellbeing.

Our early intervention approach focuses on holistic outcomes, helping young people to cease harmful behaviours, strengthen cultural identity, and foster meaningful community connections. Aboriginal children in out-of-home care are prioritised, and cultural safety is at the centre of everything we do. This role involves both clinic and community outreach work.

You will be well supported by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal colleagues, working together in partnership to provide coordinated and culturally grounded care. Most clients receive medium- to long-term support, averaging between 6 months and 2 years.

What you’ll be doing
 

• Delivering assessment, counselling, and case coordination alongside another clinician
• Providing cultural advice and consultation to strengthen cultural safety across the service
• Engaging with Aboriginal communities and services to support culturally appropriate care
• Contributing to service development initiatives that enhance cultural responsiveness

About our team

We are a small, close-knit team based in Tamworth and Newcastle. Our practice is collective and collaborative - we review cases together, work in pairs, and provide strong mutual support.

This is a team where cultural knowledge is respected, shared, and central to practice. You’ll be joining a compassionate group of professionals who are deeply committed to achieving the best outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Training and support

We know this is specialised and sensitive work. That’s why we provide:
 

• Ongoing professional development and training, including structured support for clinicians who are not yet at grade 3 level
• Mentoring and cultural supervision to strengthen practice
• A workplace where you’ll never be “on your own” – we work within a co therapy model, share cases, and ensure consistent support
• Regular opportunities to grow your skills in therapeutic intervention, cultural consultation, and collective practice

About you

You’re a professional who brings cultural insight, empathy, and therapeutic skill to your work. You understand the importance of early intervention, cultural connection, and family involvement in helping children and young people thrive.

Most importantly, you’re looking for more than just a role - you want the chance to create meaningful, long-term change in the lives of children, families, and communities.

Why join us?
 

• Be part of a supportive, collaborative team that values Aboriginal worldviews
• Make a lasting impact on children and families through early intervention
• Work in a service that prioritises cultural safety and collective practice
• Access training, mentoring, and pathways to grow if you are not yet at grade 3
• Thrive in a workplace where your cultural knowledge is valued, and your voice is heard

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:

• Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.* 
• 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

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Work with eligibility for membership to the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) or bachelor degree or higher in Psychology with current full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia or bachelor degree or higher in Counselling with registration with the appropriate professional body.
• Eligible to drive in NSW and willingness to travel for work purposes.

Additional Information:

• * Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. Please note: if your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact HNELHD-RuralIncentives@health.nsw.gov.au. 
• 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, part time/job share arrangements may also 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 Tina Maybury on Tina.Maybury@health.nsw.gov.au

Information 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.  

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