Violence, Abuse & Neglect Clinician - Incentives Offered

Make a meaningful impact—support healing, safety and recovery in rural communities.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until November 2026
Position Classification: Psychologist, Social Worker Level 1/2, Counsellor Level 1/2
Remuneration: $63,177.29 - $117,755.00 + Super + Salary Packaging + Rural Incentives
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ629976
Location: Inverell Community Health Centre 
Closing Date: Monday 12th January 2026

Where you'll be working
Set in the picturesque Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Inverell is a thriving rural town celebrated for its welcoming community, rich heritage, and breathtaking natural environment. Encircled by national parks, rivers, and sweeping scenic landscapes, the area is perfect for those with a love of the outdoors. As a key regional centre, Inverell blends relaxed country living with modern amenities and offers meaningful opportunities for health professionals seeking to make a genuine difference in rural communities.

What you'll be doing
Are you passionate about making a real difference where it matters most? We’re looking for a motivated and compassionate Social Worker, Psychologist, or Counsellor to join our Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN) Team based at Inverell Community Health Centre.
This rewarding role offers the chance to support individuals and families affected by violence, abuse and neglect across a range of rural communities in Northern NSW. As part of the NSW Health Sexual Assault and Child Protection Counselling Services, you’ll deliver trauma-informed, client-centred care that creates meaningful change.
In this role, you’ll work across Inverell, Tingha, Glen Innes, Warialda, Ashford and Tenterfield, providing psychosocial assessments, developing and coordinating tailored care plans, and collaborating with partner services to ensure holistic and effective support for clients.
You won’t be doing this alone. You’ll be supported by a strong and experienced leadership team, including the Inverell Community Health Manager, the VAN Team Clinical Coordinator, and the Aboriginal Family Wellbeing and Violence Prevention Network. Ongoing professional development, regular clinical and cultural supervision, and close connections with peers across the district will help you grow, feel supported, and thrive in your role.

About you
In this role, you’ll bring a confident, professional approach to clinical assessment and client care, drawing on evidence-based practice to support people experiencing complex and emotionally challenging situations. You’ll actively participate in regular professional supervision, contribute to the growth of your discipline’s professional network, and engage in ongoing education and training to continue building your skills and expertise.
A strong understanding of the effects of violence, abuse and neglect on children, young people, families and communities is essential. You’ll demonstrate resilience, self-awareness and emotional intelligence, particularly in managing the impacts of vicarious trauma and the unique challenges of working in a rural environment. Clear, compassionate communication—both written and verbal—is vital, as is your ability to build trusting relationships with clients and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Strong organisation, time-management and prioritisation skills will enable you to navigate competing clinical demands with confidence.
This is a rewarding and impactful opportunity for a committed clinician who is ready to make a genuine difference by supporting safety, healing and recovery for vulnerable individuals and families across our rural communities.

Requirements

• Must hold a qualification: Psychology, Social Work, Counsellor which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association / provisional or general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

• Current unrestricted NSW Driver's Licence and ability to travel as part of the role within an outreach capacity

   

What we can offer you
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day: 

• Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*   
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Work life 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
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Additional Information

• * Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. Please note: if your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact HNELHD-RuralIncentives@health.nsw.gov.au. 
• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies. 
• 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.   
• 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. 

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 Belinda Robinson on Belinda.Robinson@health.nsw.gov.au

Information for Applicants: 

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 ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process. 

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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