Sexual Assault Worker - Identified

Empower healing and connection - support Aboriginal families with trauma-informed, culturally grounded care at Newcastle Sexual Assault Service

Remuneration: $109,247 - $133,156 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Wallsend Campus | Awabakal Country
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3, Clinical Psychologist
Requisition ID: REQ608128
Applications Close: Sunday 26th October 2025

This is a Level 3 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 3 applicants, applications from Level 1 and 2 will be considered. The selection criteria reflects the requirements for a Level 3 applicant. Responses from Level 1 or 2 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to the same criteria and their ability to work towards Level 3. 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 3. 

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.

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

Where you’ll be working

The Newcastle Sexual Assault Service (NSAS) operates across the Harker Building at the Wallsend Health Campus and John Hunter Hospital, on the beautiful lands of the Awabakal people. Our Wallsend site offers a tranquil environment, featuring a Cultural Room and an outdoor Yarning Circle surrounded by nature and birdsong - a place for reflection, connection, and healing.

About the team

Our passionate team of counsellors and forensic medical staff work collaboratively to provide high-quality, trauma-informed services for people impacted by sexual assault. We’re deeply committed to creating a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, cultural safety, and belonging.

Hear from Carol, a Proud Aboriginal Wonnarua woman from the Hunter Valley who has worked for NSW Health for 20 years across Maternity, Aboriginal Hospital Liaison, Child Protection and Newcastle Sexual Assault Service - "It’s about being in the moment and our way of knowing, being, doing when working with mob. We are all working in collaboration towards closing the gap for our families and communities. I’m fortunate to have a position in health which I enjoy."

About the role

This is a key position within the service that focuses on strengthening trust and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, families, and communities. You’ll work directly with Aboriginal families to support engagement with our services and ensure care is culturally responsive and respectful.

Your work will involve:
 

• Building culturally appropriate connections with Aboriginal families accessing sexual assault and related support services.
• Promoting healing and wellbeing through trauma-informed and culturally grounded approaches.
• Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic, inclusive care.

About you

We’re looking for someone with strong knowledge and experience working alongside Aboriginal families and communities who have experienced violence, abuse, or neglect, including child protection contexts. You may bring lived or shared experience and a deep understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts.

What we offer

You’ll be welcomed into a supportive and inclusive team, guided by a Team Leader and Clinical Lead, and offered a thorough orientation to the service.

• Access to cultural and clinical supervision
• Ongoing support from Aboriginal colleagues across the campus and district, including our Aboriginal Family Wellbeing and Violence Prevention Worker and our deadly receptionist who is a proud Wonnarua woman
• Opportunities for professional development and training through the Education Centre Against Violence (ECAV)
• Weekly Clinical Review and monthly Professional Development sessions that always embed a cultural lens

Join us in creating a service where culture, compassion, and collaboration drive meaningful change and healing.

Requirements:
 

• Must hold a degree in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer, which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association / full registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
• Must participate in the Sexual Assault on-call roster and provide consultation and/or supervision to other staff regarding sexual assault. 
• Must participate in regular clinical supervision.   
• Eligible to drive in NSW.

Additional Information:
 

• 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.  
• This position is full time; however, job share and/or part time arrangements will 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 Carol Anderson on carol.anderson@health.nsw.gov.au or 0438 829 127