EAP Staff Counsellor
Join us in strengthening workplace wellbeing through confidential, meaningful support.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3, Psychologist
Remuneration: $116,892 – 122,465 Per Annum + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Waratah | Awabakal Country - this role is site based
Requisition ID: REQ647108
Applications Close: Sunday, 15th March 2026
Interviews to be held in person on Wednesday, 18th March 2026
About Us
We are a dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP) team supporting the wellbeing of staff across our health service. Our work focuses on helping employees navigate the complex emotional and professional challenges that can arise in healthcare settings.
Working within a small, supportive team, you will be backed by regular support and guidance from the EAP Manager, have access to monthly clinical supervision along with structured orientation to ensure you feel confident and connected in the role. Our EAP service provides confidential counselling, workplace support, and training aimed at strengthening staff wellbeing, resilience, and psychological safety.
We support staff through a range of workplace and personal challenges including stress management, exposure to grief and loss, managing organisational change, and maintaining wellbeing in demanding roles. We also deliver workshops and presentations that build resilience and strengthen teams.
What You’ll Be Doing
In this rewarding role, you will provide confidential, client-centred counselling and consultation to HNE Health staff and their families while also supporting broader organisational wellbeing initiatives.
Key responsibilities include but not limited to:
Delivering confidential counselling, assessment, crisis intervention and referral for staff experiencing personal or workplace challenges
Supporting staff following critical or traumatic incidents and providing guidance around stress, grief and loss in the workplace
Facilitating workshops and presentations on topics such as wellbeing, resilience, managing change and stress management
Providing consultation and support to managers and teams navigating complex workplace situations
Contributing to the planning, delivery and evaluation of EAP services to ensure high quality, evidence-based practice
Maintaining accurate case documentation and contributing to service improvement and reporting processes
Working collaboratively with the EAP team while operating independently in managing cases across the service
What You’ll Bring
We are looking for a compassionate and skilled clinician who is passionate about supporting staff wellbeing.
Essential
Qualification in Social Work or Psychology with relevant professional registration
Strong counselling and assessment skills, including experience supporting individuals through stress, trauma, grief or workplace challenges
Ability to exercise independent professional judgement while working collaboratively in a team environment
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Eligible to drive in NSW and willingness to travel for work purposes
Highly regarded
5 years’ counselling experience
Previous experience working in health settings
Experience delivering workshops, training or group facilitation
Knowledge of workplace wellbeing, resilience, and organisational change
What We Can Offer You
Convenient Location – Enjoy easy access to nearby shopping centres & cafés
Monthly Allocated Days Off – Full-time employees receive regular monthly days off, helping you recharge and maintain a healthy work–life balance.
Generous Annual Leave – Take time to rest and travel with 4 weeks of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees).
Paid Parental Leave – Support for growing families with paid parental leave for eligible employees, giving you the time and flexibility to focus on what matters most.
Salary packaging options – Maximise your take-home pay with salary packaging options of up to $11,600, plus the option for novated leasing.
Health & Wellbeing Support – Access Fitness Passport, offering discounted gym memberships and fitness facilities for you and your family.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free and confidential counselling and support services available for you and your family members whenever you need it.
Additional Information
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.
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.
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
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 Jacqueline Brown on Jacqueline.Brown@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.
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.
We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.
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