Sexual Assault Counsellor in Wallsend

Join a team where trauma-informed care isn’t just a framework - it’s how we show up for each other and for the people we support.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time and Permanent Part Time Opportunities

Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist, Social Worker - Level 3

Remuneration: $58.95 - $77.16 per hour + 12% super + Salary Packaging

Hours Per Week: Up to 38 hours per week

Applications Close: Sunday 22nd February 2026

Bring your clinical skill, your empathy and your steadiness - and be supported to do meaningful, life‑changing work in a team that genuinely cares.

Where You’ll Be Working

The Newcastle Sexual Assault Service (NSAS) is located on the land of the Awabakal people and is based in the Harker Building at Wallsend Health Campus. The Service also delivers a 24‑hour crisis forensic medical and psycho‑social response from John Hunter Hospital. NSAS is proud of its highly skilled counselling team and strong collaborative partnership with forensic medical staff, working together to deliver high‑quality, compassionate care. We are a passionate and enthusiastic team, committed to trauma‑informed practice and to fostering a workplace that values diversity, inclusion and a strong sense of belonging.

About the Role

This is a varied and rewarding role offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. You will undertake comprehensive psycho‑social assessments and provide counselling to individuals who have experienced sexual assault, working across the lifespan with children, adolescents and adults. You will also contribute to intake and triage processes and provide psycho‑social crisis responses as required. Participation in an after‑hours roster is part of the role; however, the service is well staffed, with an expectation of no more than 2–3 after‑hours shifts per month, and you are able to nominate your preferred shifts.

About You

NSAS is seeking a collaborative, compassionate professional with experience delivering trauma‑informed therapeutic interventions to people who have experienced trauma. You will bring demonstrated skill, knowledge and experience in undertaking comprehensive psycho‑social assessments and working effectively in crisis intervention settings. You will be supported to further develop your expertise in specialist therapeutic counselling and case management for people who have experienced sexual assault, within a highly experienced and supportive team.

Support and Professional Development

You will receive strong support from both the Team Leader and Clinical Lead, including a thorough and structured orientation. Clinical supervision is encouraged and supported during work hours, with assistance available to connect you with experienced supervisors. There are extensive training opportunities through the Education Centre Against Violence (ECAV), and all new NSAS staff are supported to complete foundational ECAV training. The team meets weekly for Clinical Review to share learning and reflection, and participates in a monthly professional development session to support ongoing growth and connection.

Requirements

• Applicant must be female as per section 31 of the Anti‑Discrimination Act (1977).
• Tertiary qualification in Social Work or Psychology with eligibility for membership to the AASW or registration as a Psychologist with the APHRA, with extensive clinical experience in their profession, along with knowledge of the policy, judicial and legislative frameworks in relation to violence, abuse and neglect.

What we can offer

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full‑time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro‑rata for part time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) – giving you the opportunity for true work‑life balance
• Salary packaging options – up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well‑being – discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Additional information

An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies. 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. 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.

• Demonstrated advanced communication and counselling skills in the provision of sexual assault interventions to individuals, families and groups who have experienced violence, abuse and neglect.
• Demonstrated ability to organise and prioritise workload to meet competing deadlines and demonstrated ability to work both autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team across an interagency framework.
• Tertiary qualification in Social Work or Psychology with eligibility for membership to the AASW or registration as a Psychologist with the APHRA, with extensive clinical experience in their profession, along with knowledge of the policy, judicial and legislative frameworks in relation to violence, abuse and neglect.

Need more information? For role related queries or questions contact Alison Porter.

Information for Applicants

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description. For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: 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.

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.