Farmgate Counsellor
Make a real difference in the lives of people living and working in rural communities. As a Farmgate Counsellor, you'll provide compassionate, strengths-based support to individuals, families and farming communities impacted by drought and rural hardship, helping them build resilience, improve wellbeing and stay connected to the support they need.
Our benefits:
Financial
- 12% superannuation
- Salary packaging and novated leasing
- Annual leave with 17.5% leave loading (for full-time and part-time staff)
- Relocation considerations
- Access to the Welcome Experience Program
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible work options, including hybrid and varied hours (depending on the role)
- Paid maternity and parental leave
- Generous leave options including long service and carers leave
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
Employment type: Permanent Full / Part Time or Casual opportunities
Position classification: Psychologist, Social Worker, Sexual Assault Worker, Counsellor (with PACFA)
Renumeration: $79,419.00 - $122,465.00 per annum, pro rata (+ super +17.5% leave loading where applicable)
Hours per week: up to 38
Requisition ID: REQ689899
Location: Albury/Deniliquin
About the role
The Drought Relief - Farm Gate Counsellor supports individuals, families and rural farming communities experiencing significant stress due to drought, providing strengths-based counselling, resilience-building support, advocacy and referrals to appropriate services. The position works closely with local communities and stakeholders to improve mental wellbeing, strengthen community connections, and ensure people affected by drought can access the support they need.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Provide strengths-based counselling, emotional support and practical assistance to individuals, families and rural communities affected by drought and rural adversity.
- Engage directly with farming communities, building trusted relationships and identifying people experiencing significant stress who may require support.
- Deliver community education, mental health promotion activities and outreach programs to improve wellbeing, resilience and awareness of available services.
- Coordinate referrals, advocacy and connections to health, welfare, financial and community support services to ensure holistic care.
- Develop strong partnerships with community organisations, stakeholders and health services while maintaining accurate client records and professional documentation
What We’re Looking For:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in counselling, psychology, social work, nursing with professional peak body membership and with the ability to provide high-quality therapeutic support.
- Strong counselling skills and experience using strengths-based, resilience-building and problem-solving approaches to support individuals and families experiencing adversity.
- An understanding of the challenges facing rural and farming communities, with knowledge of the impact drought can have on mental wellbeing, relationships and community resilience.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across communities, agencies and service providers.
- Highly organised and self-motivated, with strong administrative skills, proficiency in Microsoft applications and the ability to travel independently across the region.
More information:
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For role related queries or questions contact Sharlene Brown on [email protected] for a confidential chat.
Applications close: 1 October 2026
This is a NSW Health Category A position which requires immunisation and screening for certain diseases. The full list of requirements are outlined in the NSW Health OASV Policy
MLHD values diversity and is committed to building an inclusive workplace culture that reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from diverse community groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTI, people with a disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants can access recruitment application support through the Stepping Up initiative.
NSW Health is committed to implementing the Child Safe Standards.
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