✨ Make an Impact Across the New England Region as a MERIT Counsellor/Caseworker – Join a passionate multidisciplinary team at Armidale Community Health, delivering meaningful counselling and case management while extending vital outreach support to Inverell and empowering clients towards recovery and lasting change.
Remuneration: $75 510 - $122 465 Per Annum (dependant on qualifications) + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until September 2027
Position Classification: Counsellor Level 1, Counsellor Level 2, Occupational Therapist Level 1, Occupational Therapist Level 2, Psychologist, Registered Nurse, Social Worker Level 1, Social Worker Level 2
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Armidale Community Health Service
Requisition ID: REQ681396
Applications Close: Monday 31st August 2026
About the Role - MERIT Counsellor/Caseworker – Level 1/2
As a MERIT Counsellor/Caseworker – Level 1/2, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting clients experiencing drug and alcohol dependence alongside involvement with the criminal justice system. Working within the 12-week MERIT Program servicing Armidale and Inverell Local Court, you’ll provide individual counselling and tailored casework, while supporting clients to navigate the Court process and work towards positive, sustainable change.
You’ll be part of a collaborative and well-supported multidisciplinary team, with dedicated guidance and clinical support from your Direct Line Manager, MERIT Clinical Lead, experienced MERIT colleagues, Administration staff, Allied Health Lead and the broader Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services (DACS) team. With a strong culture of teamwork and shared expertise, you’ll have the support around you to confidently develop your practice and deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
This is an opportunity to bring your expertise, compassion and commitment to a role where your support can make a meaningful difference at a pivotal point in a client’s journey.
Where you’ll be working:
Join the MERIT Team, a passionate and multidisciplinary service bringing together Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers and Administration professionals who work collaboratively to support people experiencing drug and alcohol dependency and involvement with the criminal justice system. Through counselling and case management, the team provides compassionate, evidence-based support that helps clients build positive pathways towards recovery and lasting change.
Based at Armidale Community Health, this role offers the opportunity to work in the heart of the beautiful New England region, surrounded by a welcoming community, vibrant local culture and stunning natural landscapes. You’ll also provide outreach services to Inverell, bringing vital support closer to clients across the region and enjoying the variety that comes with a community-based role.
Make a difference across the New England region while becoming part of a supportive team committed to creating meaningful change.
Relocating? We've Got You Covered
Making a move can feel overwhelming, but support is available.
The Welcome Experience is a free service designed to help health workers and their families settle into regional communities. From connecting you with local schools, childcare providers, sporting clubs, housing information, and community networks, the program helps make your transition smoother so you can feel at home sooner and start enjoying everything your new community has to offer.
Learn More: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:
Supportive and collaborative team environment
Ongoing professional development opportunities across the administrative network
Career progression opportunities within NSW Health
Annual leave and paid parental leave for eligible employees
Salary packaging options to increase take-home pay
Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support wellbeing
Essential Requirements:
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Must hold a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Counselling, Occupational Therapy, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer, which provides either eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association or full registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
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Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes, which may involve driving long distances.
If this sounds like you, we would love you to apply:
✨ Counselling capability - bring a sound understanding of counselling techniques and a genuine commitment to supporting clients through meaningful and positive change.
✨ Collaborative and adaptable - thrive as part of a multidisciplinary team while also demonstrating the confidence and initiative to work independently when required.
✨ Exceptional communication - use strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to build trusting relationships and contribute effectively to client care.
✨ Growth-focused mindset - bring curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, develop new skills and embrace opportunities for professional growth.
Bring your dedication, professionalism, and heart for healthcare to our team - we can’t wait to hear from you!
Additional information:
An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
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.
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 [email protected] for confidential support.
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.
How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.
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Demonstrated effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
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Demonstrated commitment to professional development, evidence based practice and continuous improvement.
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Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Need more information?
- about applying for this position
Information for Applicants:
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via [email protected] or 1300 40 25 23.
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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