Health Clinician (Social Worker/Welfare Officer/Counsellor Lvl 1-2, Psychologist) - MERIT - Temp FT/PT

South Western Sydney Local Health District -
Sydney Western Suburbs NSW

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Job Details

Part-time | Temp to perm | Full-time | Contract
$76,364 - $117,755 a year
7 days ago

Benefits

Annual leave
Parental leave
Employee assistance program
Gym membership
Maternity leave
Salary packaging

Qualifications

AHPRA registration
Driver Licence

Full Job Description

South Western Sydney Local Health District

Reference number

REQ670841

Occupation

Mental Health Clinician

Work type

Various

Location

Sydney - West

Salary Information

$76364 - $117755

Closing date

05 July 2026 at 11:59pm

Requisition ID: REQ670841

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time or Part Time, up to 38 hours per week up until January 2027

Remuneration:
Counsellor Level 1: $38.52 - $45.00 Per Hour
Counsellor Level 2: $47.97 - $54.94 Per Hour
Psychologist: $40.57 - $59.38 Per Hour
Social Worker Level 1: $38.52 - $45.00 Per Hour
Social Worker Level 2: $$47.97 - $54.94 Per Hour
Welfare Officer Level 1: $38.52 - $45.00 Per Hour
Welfare Officer Level 2: $$47.97 - $54.94 Per Hour
+ 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging + Flexible Working (subject to approval)

Location: Level 2, 157-161 George Street, Liverpool, NSW

Applications close: 05/07/2026

Contact: Vinetta Lobo e Kakodkar - A/Team leader MERIT Program on [email protected] or call on 0419 012 096 or (0 9794 0700

Please note: A current influenza (flu) vaccination is a mandatory requirement for appointment to this position.

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.

Achieve Something Great
We are seeking a temporary MERIT Health Clinician (Level 1– to join Drug Health Services within South Western Sydney Local Health District, delivering comprehensive assessments, evidence-based interventions, case management, and court reporting as part of the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program—an innovative, multidisciplinary initiative providing a proactive and therapeutic response to individuals in the criminal justice system experiencing issues related to substance use.

The MERIT Program is a local, court-based voluntary diversion initiative targeting adult defendants with illicit drug use problems who are eligible for release on bail and motivated to engage in treatment.

The program runs for three months and provides clients with opportunities to improve their health and social functioning, while reducing crime and increasing overall quality of life.

Strong working partnerships between the courts, clinicians and key stakeholders enable a collaborative approach to care and facilitate access to appropriate treatment pathways.

The MERIT office is located in Liverpool, with the program operating across a range of courts throughout South Western Sydney. Please note: Flexible start and finish times are available, with work-from-home opportunities considered following the successful completion of the probationary period.

Are You the Right Fit?
We are looking for a motivated and capable clinician ready to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic court diversion program:

Deliver comprehensive assessments, evidence-based interventions, and case management to MERIT clients
Coordinate clinical and welfare supports to achieve client goals and promote rehabilitation
Prepare and present high-quality written reports for court proceedings
Contribute to the effective delivery of court diversion programs across the Local Health District
Support ongoing clinical operations and continuous improvement within the service

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.

Tertiary qualification as a Registered Psychologist, Social Worker, Counsellor, or Welfare Officer, which provides eligibility for membership with a professional organisation and or current registration with AHPRA where applicable.
Can you describe a complex client you have assessed and managed within a drug and alcohol setting, including how you identify and manage clinical risks such as mental health concerns, substance use, and domestic violence?
How do you ensure effective collaboration with external stakeholders such as legal services, mental health services, or community providers?” Please provide an example.
Applicants must possess an Australian C-Class driver's license (including P1 or P. 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 [email protected]
- 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 [email protected]. 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 Positions
- Temporary visa holders may be considered if no suitable citizen or permanent resident is found.
- For fixed-term or temporary contracts, there may be opportunities for ongoing permanent employment, subject to policy and organisational requirements.
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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