Drug and Alcohol Senior Clinician - MERIT Team - Targeted - Incentives Offered

Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.

 
🧠 About the Role:

Make a meaningful impact at the intersection of health and the justice system, supporting people at a pivotal point in their journey. In this dynamic role, you’ll attend court to provide high-quality clinical advice and care aligned with best practice, undertake comprehensive assessments and deliver evidence-based interventions that promote positive outcomes for clients.

Working across both independent and multidisciplinary settings, you’ll bring professional autonomy, sound clinical judgement and a collaborative approach to your practice. You’ll also have opportunities to share your expertise, provide guidance to colleagues and contribute to a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Professional development is embedded throughout the role, with ongoing opportunities to strengthen your clinical knowledge, expand your skills and keep your practice contemporary. From day one, you’ll be supported through a structured orientation, tailored training and development, ensuring you have the foundations to thrive in the role.

You’ll also be surrounded by a strong and connected support network, including your MERIT colleagues, Direct Line Manager, Allied Health Lead, Clinical Lead – MERIT NENW, District Manager and the broader DACS community — providing guidance, collaboration and support every step of the way.

🌿 Where You’ll Be Working:

Be part of a collaborative and supportive MERIT team, working alongside Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Counsellors and dedicated Administration staff. Together, you’ll deliver holistic counselling, case management and referral pathways for people experiencing drug and alcohol dependency who are engaged with the criminal justice system — providing meaningful support at a pivotal point in their lives.

Based at Moree Community Health, this role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference while embracing the unique lifestyle of regional NSW. When the workday winds down, enjoy the natural beauty of Waa Gorge, relax at the Artesian Aquatic Centre or discover the local creative scene at Moree Gallery.

While Moree is your home base, your impact will extend across the wider region, with the opportunity to provide valuable support and court coverage across both Moree and Narrabri, connecting with communities and services across the region.

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:

• 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.*   
• 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
  
   

Map of Moree:

https://sl.bing.net/hJz3kXlGgQS

Requirements:

• Must hold a degree in Social Work, Counselling, Occupational Therapy or Nursing which provides either eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association or full registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Counsellors must have 3 years full time equivalent experience.
• 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:

⭐ Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities effectively, with exceptional organisation and time management skills
⭐ A collaborative approach to working within a multidisciplinary team, while confidently contributing and promoting professional expertise
⭐ A strong understanding of confidentiality, privacy and the importance of maintaining professional standards at all times
⭐ Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, respectfully and effectively with a diverse range of people

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

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. 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

How to apply:

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

• Comprehensive understanding or experience in drug and alcohol practice including comprehensive assessment, care planning, intervention, and evidence-based counselling models of care and ability to apply case management principles
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of trauma informed care and its application to therapeutic interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a senior clinician in a multi-disciplinary team demonstrating application of professional and ethical boundaries when working with complex situations.

Need more information? 

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

For role related queries or questions contact Kate Forbes-Walker (Cultural contact) on kate.forbeswalker@health.nsw.gov.au or Donna Towers on donna.towers@health.nsw.gov.au