Head of Department (Counsellor/Social worker/ Welfare Officer Lvl 5, Psychologist, Senior Psychologist) - Child Protection Counselling Service - Temp FT
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- Health Clinician
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- REQ680051 Requisition #
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- 1 day ago Post Date
Requisition ID: REQ680051
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time ,38 hours per week until April 2027
Remuneration: Dependent on Qualification
- Counsellor/Social worker/ Welfare Officer Lvl 5 : $2,708.37 - $2,774.24 per week
- Psychologist: $1,603.53 - $2,347.03 per week
- Senior Psychologist : $2,470.99 - $2,677.57 per week
In addition to base salary, all roles attract 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Location: Carboni Street Liverpool
Applications close: 02/08/2026
Contact: Catherine Lovan on 0475 804 855 - catherine.lovan@health.nsw.gov.au
With your skills and experience, you can contribute to the millions of ways we're enriching health, and develop your career as part of the largest health organisation in Australia.
Previous applicants need not apply
Achieve Something Great
Lead a dedicated specialist team that makes a lasting difference in the lives of children, young people, and families affected by trauma, abuse, neglect, and family violence.
As Head of Department, Child Protection Counselling Service (CPCS), you will provide clinical and operational leadership to a highly skilled multidisciplinary team delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic services across South Western Sydney.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced clinician and leader to shape service delivery, drive clinical excellence, and contribute to improved safety, wellbeing, and recovery outcomes for vulnerable children and families. You will have the opportunity to influence strategic direction, strengthen partnerships across health and human services, and support innovative approaches to child protection and trauma treatment.
Working within a highly collaborative environment, you will lead a service recognised for its commitment to quality care, professional development, and best-practice therapeutic intervention. Your leadership will help ensure children and families receive timely, compassionate, and effective support when they need it most.
Would you like to join a leadership team whose vision is underpinned by, sustaining and promoting workplace culture, embedding ethical and accountable practice in everything you do, recognising, supporting and developing managers and staff, strengthening workforce wellbeing through a strong commitment to understand and respond to vicarious trauma. Foster collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, building capable resilient and engaged teams to deliver high quality care outcomes to the community.
If you are passionate about clinical leadership, building workforce capability, and creating meaningful change for children and families, this role offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact at both an individual and system-wide level.
Are You the Right Fit?
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring clinical leader with a passion for child protection, trauma & violence informed care, and service excellence.
You will bring:
- Demonstrated leadership experience within counselling, psychology, social work, welfare, child protection, mental health, or related services.
- Advanced clinical skills and experience working with children, young people, and families impacted by trauma, abuse, neglect, and family violence.
- The ability to lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams while fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build effective partnerships across health, government, and community services.
- Sound judgement, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous service improvement and evidence-based practice.
A genuine commitment to child safety, cultural responsiveness, and delivering person-centred care.
This role will suit an adaptable and resilient leader who is motivated by improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families while supporting a team to deliver their best work every day.
Selection Criteria
To help us assess your suitability for the role, please tell us as much as you can about yourself in response to the questions below.
- A Social Work degree which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), or as otherwise deemed appropriate by employer or (b) Full registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Completion of four-year sequence of accredited undergraduate study in the discipline of psychology (or equivalent completed overseas).
- Describe a time when you led and managed a team through a significant challenge or change. What was your approach, how did you support staff performance and wellbeing, and what was the outcome?
- Describe your experience leading a child protection, counselling, or related service. How have you applied your knowledge of violence, abuse and neglect, and child protection legislation, to support effective service delivery and decision-making?
Applicants must possess an Australian C-Class driver's license (including P1 or P2). Those who hold a C class license (P1 or P2 included) from a state other than NSW must obtain a NSW C class (P1 or P2 included) license within three months of appointment. Learner's licenses are not permitted.
If you’d like more details, we’re here to help.
Position Information
Applicants will be assessed against the criteria in the Position Description.
How to Apply
Read our application guide and tips for improving your application.
Diversity, Culture & Inclusion
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to accessibility and a supportive recruitment experience. If you require adjustments or assistance during the application process, please contact SWSLHDJobs@health.nsw.gov.au
We value the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our workforce and are committed to fostering a respectful and welcoming environment. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, neurodivergent individuals, those from Refugee, multicultural and multifaith backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.
Aboriginal Workforce
For Aboriginal candidates who would like to talk to our Aboriginal Workforce Team, please contact SWSLHD-AboriginalWorkforce@health.nsw.gov.au. Support is also available through the Stepping Up website.
More Than Just a Job – Why Work With Us?
Financial Perks
12% superannuation
Salary packaging and novated leasing via Smart Salary
Annual leave with 17.5% leave loading (for full-time and part-time staff)
One extra day off each month for full-time employees
Work-Life Balance
Flexible work options, including hybrid and varied hours (depending on the role)
Paid maternity and parental leave
Generous leave options like long service and carers leave
Grow Your Career
Access to learning opportunities through our dedicated Education and Organisational Development team, who support staff with training, workshops, and career development programs.
Health & Wellbeing
Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport
Free and confidential support for staff and their families via our Staff Wellbeing and Support Service (EAP)
Wellbeing programs that promote mental health, resilience, and balance
Additional Information
Temporary visa holders
May be considered if no suitable citizen or permanent resident is found.
Vaccination Requirements
All staff must meet NSW Health’s vaccination and screening requirements before starting.
Child Safe Employment
South Western Sydney Local Health District 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.
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