✨ Make a Meaningful Difference as a Caseworker/Counsellor - Bring your clinical expertise and compassion to the MERIT Team, where you’ll deliver evidence-based drug and alcohol support, empower clients towards positive change, and help create brighter pathways beyond the justice system.
Remuneration: $40.05 - $61.76 Per Hour + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Employment Type: Temporary Part 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: 32
Location: Newcastle Community Health Service | Awabakal Country
Requisition ID: REQ684017
Applications Close: Monday 31st August 2026
About the Role - Caseworker/Counsellor
As a Caseworker/Counsellor, bring your expertise in evidence-based drug and alcohol interventions to a role where your clinical knowledge, communication skills and strategic thinking can make a meaningful difference. You will work confidently across a complex multidisciplinary environment, building effective relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders across both public and private sectors.
Your ability to deliver high-quality written and verbal reports, develop and monitor service plans, and manage competing priorities within established timeframes will be highly valued. Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills will be key to thriving in this dynamic and fast-paced service.
At the heart of the Caseworker/Counsellor role is the delivery of compassionate, person-centred care, providing tailored clinical guidance and support that places each client’s needs, goals and wellbeing at the forefront. You will be part of a highly supportive MERIT team, with guidance from your Line Manager, Allied Health Lead, District Manager and experienced colleagues, ensuring you have the support and expertise around you to thrive.
From the moment you join, you’ll be welcomed with a comprehensive orientation and have access to regular educational sessions designed to strengthen your knowledge and clinical practice. Professional development is genuinely valued and encouraged, providing opportunities to continue growing your expertise while making a meaningful difference to the lives of those you support.
Where you’ll be working:
Join the MERIT Team, a dynamic and supportive Court Diversion Program within Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services (DACS), based at Newcastle Community Health. You’ll become part of a passionate multidisciplinary team of Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers and Counsellors, bringing together diverse expertise to deliver holistic, person-centred support.
The team plays a vital role in creating positive pathways forward for people experiencing drug and alcohol dependency who are involved with the local court system. Through counselling, case management and collaborative support, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference at a pivotal point in each client’s journey - helping people move towards recovery, stability and better outcomes.
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:
✨ Expertise in evidence-based care – extensive experience delivering high-quality, evidence-based drug and alcohol interventions with a strong focus on positive client outcomes.
✨ Exceptional communication and collaboration – the ability to confidently communicate, negotiate and build effective relationships across all levels of a complex multidisciplinary organisation, including senior leadership and public and private sector stakeholders.
✨ Strong organisational and analytical capability – highly developed skills in planning, prioritising and managing competing demands, with the ability to implement and monitor multiple service plans within required timeframes.
✨ Outstanding reporting and problem-solving skills – a demonstrated ability to produce clear, high-quality written and verbal reports while applying sound analytical thinking and innovative problem-solving in a busy service environment.
Bring your dedication, professionalism, and heart for healthcare to our team - we can’t wait to hear from you!
Additional information:
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An eligibility list will be created for future temporary 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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