Sexual Assault Counsellor

Making a Difference, Together

Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/2, Psychologist
Remuneration: $38.51 - $59.38 per hour (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging
Hours Per Week: 32
Location: Taree, Barrington Coast, NSW
Requisition ID: REQ647780
Applications Close: Sunday 19th April 2026

Applicants must be female - under Section 31 (2) (h) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. 

About the Team

Be part of a warm, supportive, and highly skilled team as a Sexual Assault Counsellor in Taree, on the stunning Barrington Coast of NSW. Our small, close-knit team is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by sexual assault and interpersonal violence.

You’ll work alongside two experienced professionals who are committed to collaboration, mentorship, and creating a positive work environment. Our shared office encourages connection and teamwork while also providing space for focused, client-centred work.

Regular intake meetings and team discussions ensure that support is coordinated, thoughtful, and tailored to each client’s needs. There is also the opportunity to join the on-call team, offering valuable experience in crisis support and further expanding your skills. In this team, your contribution is valued, your professional growth is supported, and your wellbeing is a priority.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, VAN Women’s Services, the Sexual Assault Counsellor will provide expert support and guidance to individuals, families, and communities affected by sexual assault and other forms of interpersonal violence. This role will focus on trauma-informed, culturally safe therapy, particularly for Aboriginal clients and priority populations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake holistic psychosocial assessments and develop culturally responsive support plans
• Provide high-quality counselling and therapeutic services for children, young people, adults, and their families
• Review, provide feedback, and approve psychosocial assessments and reports for NSW Health services and other agencies (e.g., recognition payment reports, victim impact statements)
• Ensure services are safe, accessible, and inclusive for priority populations including Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTQI+ communities, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• Contribute to quality improvement, service development, and evaluation initiatives
• Participate in clinical and cultural supervision and ongoing professional education
   

Your Skills and Impact

As a Sexual Assault Counsellor, you will bring your expertise, compassion, and dedication to supporting individuals and families affected by sexual assault and interpersonal violence. In this role, you will work closely with a small, highly supportive team to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe, and client-centred care.

What You Bring – Essential:

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work or Psychology with eligibility for membership to the AASW or registration as a Psychologist with APHRA
• Applicant must be female as per section 31 of the Anti- Discrimination Act (1977).
• Strong understanding of the dynamics and effects of sexual assault, with practical experience using best practice models for working with children, young people, and adults who have experienced trauma
• Experience in, or commitment to, working with Aboriginal individuals and families, providing culturally safe and responsive support
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality counselling and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare detailed assessments, reports, and care plans
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a small therapeutic team, contributing to a supportive and cohesive work environment

Desirable Skills and Attributes:

• Experience contributing to quality improvement projects, service development, or evaluation initiatives
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth through specialist and cultural supervision, training, and professional development opportunities

This role provides a rewarding opportunity to positively impact the lives of vulnerable families, delivering trauma-informed and culturally safe care in a supportive and professional environment. You will join a team that values collaboration, continuous learning, and the wellbeing of both clients and colleagues, where your skills and dedication are truly valued.

What we can offer:

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:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero 
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance 
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing 
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Need more information?

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

For role related queries or questions contact Lorri Chandler on Lorri.Chandler@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.

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.