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- Tasks: Support clients in recovery and court through the MERIT Program.
- Company: Join Hunter New England Local Health District, enriching health in vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, rural incentives, scholarships, and wellness programs.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant fields or extensive experience in drug and alcohol counselling required.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for job share; must be eligible to drive in NSW.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 90000 £ per year.
Support clients through recovery and court with the MERIT Program – make a difference in Tamworth’s vibrant and welcoming community
Remuneration: $72,152 – $113,226 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives
Location: Tamworth Community Health Service
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification:Counsellor Level 1/2, Occupational Therapist Level 1/2, Psychologist, Registered Nurse, Social Worker Level 1/2
Requisition ID: REQ596241
Applications Close: Tuesday 12th August 2025
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you\’re challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:
- Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*
- You can access scholarships or grants to support your ongoing training and professional development Scholarships & Grants for Health Care Education & Training | HETI
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- Proximity to shopping and other services
- ADO\’s each month (for full time employees)
- Salary packaging options
- Fitness Passport
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
- Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals
About the role:
In this role, you’ll work with clients experiencing drug dependence and involvement with the criminal justice system. You will be part of the MERIT Program, a 12-week initiative supporting individuals through their treatment journey.
Your responsibilities will include providing one-on-one counselling and casework, as well as guiding and supporting clients through the court process during their participation in the MERIT Program.
You’ll collaborate with a diverse team of professionals, including Direct Service Managers, fellow MERIT colleagues, administration staff, our Allied Health Lead, and our Nurse Manager. You will also work alongside an Aboriginal Health Practitioner, who offers vital cultural support to clients who identify as Aboriginal.
Where you\’ll be working:
Based in Tamworth, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: the warmth of a rural community combined with the amenities of a modern city. Surrounded by scenic mountain landscapes, Tamworth offers a vibrant lifestyle, a welcoming community, and endless opportunities to make meaningful connections.
About you:
We’re looking for someone who is:
-
Knowledgeable in basic counselling techniques
-
Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
-
An excellent communicator with strong verbal and written skills
-
Open to learning and developing new skills
Requirements:
- 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 OR; extensive experience providing drug and alcohol counselling/ case management and willingness to work towards a relevant qualification.
- Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes, which may involve driving long distances.
Additional Information:
- * Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. Please note: if your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme . For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact HNELHD-RuralIncentives@health.nsw.gov.au .
- To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
- This position is full time; however, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
- Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) 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.
- An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
- We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Patricia Skelton on Patricia.Skelton@health.nsw.gov.au
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: http://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.
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MERIT Counsellor / Caseworker - Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services - Incentives Offered employer: NSW Health
Contact Detail:
NSW Health Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land MERIT Counsellor / Caseworker - Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services - Incentives Offered
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the MERIT Program and its objectives. Understanding the nuances of this initiative will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the programme's goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of drug and alcohol counselling. Attend local workshops or seminars in Tamworth to connect with others who work in similar roles, as they may provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience with diverse populations, especially if you have worked with Aboriginal communities. This will demonstrate your cultural competence and ability to provide tailored support to clients in the MERIT Program.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to case management and counselling techniques. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully supported clients through challenging situations, as this will showcase your practical skills and commitment to client welfare.
We think you need these skills to ace MERIT Counsellor / Caseworker - Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services - Incentives Offered
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the MERIT Counsellor/Caseworker position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Address Selection Criteria: Make sure to address the essential requirements and selection criteria outlined in the position description. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet each criterion.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about supporting clients through recovery. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences, and express your enthusiasm for working in the Tamworth community.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a counselling role.
How to prepare for a job interview at NSW Health
✨Understand the MERIT Program
Familiarise yourself with the MERIT Program and its objectives. Be prepared to discuss how you can support clients through their recovery and court processes, showcasing your understanding of the challenges they face.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise any previous experience in counselling or case management, particularly in drug and alcohol services. Share specific examples of how you've helped clients in similar situations to demonstrate your capability.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
As an excellent communicator, be ready to illustrate your verbal and written skills. You might be asked to role-play a counselling scenario, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since you'll be working with a diverse team, prepare to discuss your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past teamwork experiences and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
