Senior Clinician (Counsellor, Social Worker, Welfare Officer Level 3 or Psychologist) - Counselling and Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT)
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time; 38 hours per week
Position Classification: Counsellor, Social Worker, Welfare Officer Level 3 or Psychologist
Location: Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Requisition ID: REQ664922
In Sydney Local Health District our vision is Excellence in health and healthcare for all. You will be working in an innovative district that celebrates and invests in the ideas of staff, values people and offers life-long careers. Join the team at one of the leading public health organisations in Australia!
About the Role
Formed in 1882, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) is a major metropolitan tertiary referral hospital and a principal provider of specialist healthcare. It remains one of the nation’s most respected hospitals, with a distinguished history serving the health needs of local, statewide, national and international communities.
Provide senior clinical leadership and support clinical operations for Counselling and MERIT programs including liaison with the Local Courts and state-wide MERIT teams to determine client eligibility and negotiate admission to the MERIT program.
The daily requirements of the role include Clinical guidance for level 1/2 staff, court report vetting, training and development of staff, steering and supporting Quality Improvement projects, caseload of counselling and Case Management across MERIT & Counselling teams and much more.
For more information, please view the Position Description.
Ideal Candidate
- Must hold a Bachelor degree in Social Work or equivalent that provides eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers with experience at level 2 or higher OR Must hold as a minimum a bachelor degree in counselling or a related field or must hold a minimum of a bachelor degree in a relevant field e.g. community welfare, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer with experience at Level 2 or higher OR Must hold tertiary qualifications in psychology and be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Advanced clinical knowledge and significant clinical experience in the provision of services to patients for substance use and related issues.
- High level verbal, written and interpersonal skills, including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
High level of organisational and time management skills in an environment of competing clinical/administrative demands.
Benefits and Perks!
- Accrued Day Off each month, paid Parental Leave & Annual Leave Loading.
- Opportunity for extra tax savings through Salary Packaging and Novated Leasing. For more information visit SalaryPackagingPlus.
- Access to free courses, qualifications and coaching via Sydney Education.
- Access to confidential EAP counselling for staff and their families.
- Because we care about your health: Free annual influenza vaccination, discounted Fitness Passport membership, and free telehealth nutrition and wellness resources from qualified professionals.
For more information about other benefits, please visit SLHD Benefit.
This recruitment may be used to create a talent pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
Working for Sydney Local Health District - NSW Health
This is a Category A position. To be employed by NSW Health you are required to provide evidence of vaccination to comply with the NSW Health Occupational Assessment, Screening & Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases Policy (PD2026_004)
SLHD is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability are encouraged to apply for all internal and externally advertised positions. If you require assistance, please advise the contact person at the time of your application.
Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles within NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/
Sydney Local Health District is committed to implementing the Child Safe Standards.
For more information about SLHD please visit ‘Working With Us’
To further connect with us, check us out on LinkedIn.
For enquiries, please contact Sara A Ferreira on 0491 222 364 or via email at Sara.Azevedo@health.nsw.gov.au
Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day, apply now!
Applications Close: 13 July 2026
For Applicant Support and Information, visit ‘Applicant Information’
