MERIT Social Worker/Counsellor/Psychologist - Drug and Alcohol Services
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Counsellor Level 1/2, Social Worker level 1/2, Psychologist
Remuneration: $73,427.00 - $113,226.00 Per Annum Plus Superannuation
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ601070
Location: The Langton Centre, Surry Hills
Applications Close Date: Monday 8th September, 2025
What You'll Be Doing:
SESLHD Drug and Alcohol Service offers a range of treatment and support services for people with problems from their alcohol, prescription or illicit drug use, and/or their families and carers. Outpatient D&A services are located in clinics at the Langton Centre in Surry Hills, St George Hospital in Kogarah, and Caringbah Community Health Centre at Sutherland Hospital. Inpatient D&A services are provided at Sydney Hospital, Prince of Wales, St. George and Sutherland Hospitals. Court Diversion programs are provided to Sutherland and Downing Centre Courts. Our goal is to improve health, wellbeing and social outcomes for individuals, families and the community, related to drug and alcohol use.
The Magistrates' Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program of NSW is a specialised program that provides case management and counselling for individuals who have contact with the Criminal Justice System and have a demonstrable drug problem. The South Eastern Sydney NSW Local Health Network MERIT program provides services to Courts within SESLHD boundaries.
MERIT provides accurate assessments and written reports to the Courts and facilitates intensive case management for individuals through a structured program.
The purpose of the role is to plan, coordinate and deliver high quality specialist intake, assessment, treatment and referral service for those taking part in the MERIT program in the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD). This is achieved by facilitating movement of clients through a continuum of care from initial engagement, through treatment, to aftercare and discharge, and is consistent with South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) policies, procedures and standards.
The MERIT team is situated within a broader multidisciplinary team of allied health, nursing and medical professionals to foster holistic, evidence-based treatment planning for individuals in line with NSW Health Values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.
Benefits:
- Up to 12 allocated days off each year in addition to annual leave. (Full-Time employees only)
- Salary packaging options that reduce your taxable income and increase your take-home pay! Up to $9K for living expenses and $2.6K meal & entertainment & Novated Leasing.
- Discounted gym memberships with a Fitness Passport.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and family members.
- Discounted Private Health Insurance.
Selection Criteria
- Qualifications in accordance with Schedule C of the NSW Health Service Health Professionals (State) Award, and eligibility for membership of related professional organisation (e.g. PACFA, AASW), or full registration as a Psychologist with AHPRA.
- Demonstrated core competency skills in providing therapeutic counselling and case management to individuals including adults who are affected by drug use, utilising a range of evidence based interventions.
- Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to proactively engage with patients/clients to enhance service delivery
- Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and to exercise independent professional judgement on routine matters, commensurate with years of experience.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of technology relevant to the work unit and comply with information and communications security and acceptable use policies.
- Demonstrated commitment to quality improvement and evidence based practice and a commitment to ongoing clinical and professional learning.
- Knowledge of the harm reduction approach to drug and alcohol problems and demonstrated experience in the provision of interventions with drug dependent clients.
Need More Information?
1) Click here for the Position Description and SESLHD Expected Standards
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Kyrsten Winkley on Kyrsten.Winkley@health.nsw.gov.au
Our CORE Values are Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment and have been created by employees for employees and help define how we work and to inspire positive interactions in the workplace.
We embrace diversity as our strength and are committed to maintaining an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Our workplaces are welcoming and safe for all our employees, irrespective of their unique characteristics including age, ethnicity, cultural or spiritual background, gender identity, disability, education and social-economic status. Read about our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategy for more information.
Reasonable Adjustments:
NSW Health recognises everyone is unique, and that you may require some adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply. If we can make some adjustments to the NSW Health recruitment/interview process, then please email SESLHD-Recruitment-PaCH@health.nsw.gov.au and let us know. Adjustments may include but are not limited to, physical requirements, interview setups and specific interview availability times where required.
Information For Applicants:
- Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable permanent resident or citizen of Australia has been identified for this position following suitable labour market testing.
- Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description.
- Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specific Diseases for all positions prior to offer.
- SESLHD is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. This will help ensure our employees, our patients and their carers, feel supported. We invite candidates of all ages, genders, sexual orientation, cultural backgrounds, people with disability, neurodiverse individuals, and Indigenous Australians to apply. We do have an Aboriginal Workforce that can also provide support (SESLHD-AboriginalWorkforce@health.nsw.gov.au) and for additional information please visit our Stepping Up Website.
