New Street Counsellor - Identified

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.


 

 🌿 About the Role

As a New Street Counsellor – Identified, you’ll play a vital role in delivering culturally responsive, therapeutic counselling to children, young people and their families/carers. Drawing on your clinical expertise alongside Aboriginal world views, knowledge and ways of working, you’ll help create culturally safe and meaningful pathways of support for Aboriginal children, young people and families.

✨ Your role will extend beyond direct clinical practice, with opportunities to:

🤝 Provide culturally informed consultation and act as a cultural broker across Hunter New England Local Health District, working collaboratively with communities, government and non-government organisations.
🌱 Provide cultural consultation to New Street clinicians supporting Aboriginal children, young people and families, as well as health services across the District.
💬 Build strong partnerships with external services including Department of Communities and Justice, Department of Education, NDIS-funded services, NGOs and Out of Home Care agencies.
🧡 Contribute your cultural knowledge and clinical perspective to strengthen service delivery and improve outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and families.

Reporting to the Service Manager, Children and Young People Sexual Safety Services, you’ll be connected to a statewide network of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal New Street clinicians, providing access to shared expertise, collaboration and a broader community of practice.

📚 Professional growth is a key part of the role, with access to role-specific training, cultural and clinical supervision, ongoing support and professional development opportunities through the Children and Young People Sexual Safety Program at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.

✨ While this position is initially offered for a 12-month period, there may be an opportunity for the contract to be extended following review and consideration of service needs.

📍 Where You’ll Be Working

New Street Hunter New England is a specialised, community-based early intervention service supporting young people aged 10–17 who display harmful sexual behaviours (HSB) and have not been criminally prosecuted for a range of reasons.

The service takes a trauma-informed, culturally responsive and early intervention approach, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and those living in Out of Home Care.

🌱 With teams based across Tamworth and Newcastle, you’ll be part of a dedicated service working collaboratively to support young people, families and communities through meaningful, evidence-informed intervention.

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:

• This is an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and be accepted by the Aboriginal community in which they live or have lived. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required in accordance with NSW Health requirements. 
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Social Work with eligibility for membership to the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), or Psychology with current full registration with the Psychology Board of  Australia, or counselling deemed appropriate by employer or completion in in the ECAV pathway, and registered with or eligible for membership of the relevant professional body and demonstrated cultural expertise.
• Valid unrestricted drivers' licence for use in NSW/Australia and willingness to participate in offsite activities and frequently provide outreach services throughout the HNE LHD, which may include overnight stays.
• Accreditation or willingness to undertake accreditation with the Child Sex Offender Counsellor Accreditation Scheme administered by the NSW Children's Guardian.

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

🧡 Bring your Aboriginal cultural knowledge and professional expertise, combining cultural insight, empathy and therapeutic skill to support children, young people and their families.
🌱 Value the power of early intervention, cultural connection and family involvement, recognising the important role these play in supporting positive outcomes for children and young people.
🤝 Build meaningful relationships and work collaboratively, contributing to a compassionate and culturally safe environment where Aboriginal worldviews are respected and valued.
✨ Bring a commitment to meaningful, lasting change, with a genuine desire to strengthen outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and families.
🌿 Contribute to collective impact, sharing your knowledge and perspective as part of a dedicated team committed to culturally responsive practice and better outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

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

Additional information:

• This is a Level 4 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 4 applicants, applications from Level 3 will be considered. The selection criteria reflects the requirements for a Level 4 applicant. Responses from Level 3 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to the same criteria and their ability to work towards Level 4. 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 4.

• 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 skills, knowledge and experience in the provision of trauma informed responses forchildren and young people who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour and their families, and/or children, young people and families who have experienced physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and domestic violence.
• Advanced knowledge and clinical expertise working within NSW Health policy frameworks and legislation in relation to VAN and relevant legislation in relation to child protection, criminal justice and health service provision
• Demonstrated ability in building and maintaining effective professional and therapeutic relationships utilising Aboriginal ways of doing business and the application of well-developed interpersonal, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
  
   

Need more information? 

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

For role related queries or questions contact Sarah Farrell on Sarah.Farrell@health.nsw.gov.au

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