Make a meaningful impact as a MERIT Counsellor/Caseworker – Level 1/2, empowering clients through recovery, positive change and renewed opportunities.

Remuneration: $79,419 - $122,465 Per Annum + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until September 2027
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Tamworth CHS
Applications Close: Sunday 20th September 2026

About the Role

As part of the MERIT Team, you’ll play a meaningful role in supporting clients experiencing drug and alcohol dependence alongside involvement with the criminal justice system. MERIT is a 12-week therapeutic program supporting clients through the Tamworth Local Court, providing an opportunity to make a genuine difference during a pivotal time in their recovery journey.
You’ll provide individual counselling and casework, while supporting clients to navigate the Court process and engage meaningfully with their treatment and recovery goals throughout the MERIT program.
Working within a highly collaborative and supportive environment, you’ll be well supported by the Service Manager, MERIT Clinical Lead, Allied Health Lead, fellow MERIT colleagues, Administration Officer and the broader DACS team.
You’ll also work closely with an Aboriginal Health Practitioner who provides culturally responsive support to Aboriginal clients, helping ensure care is respectful, inclusive and responsive to individual cultural needs.
This opportunity also offers the potential for the position to transition to a permanent role in the future, providing an exciting pathway to continue your professional journey within the MERIT Team.

Where You’ll Be Working

The MERIT Team is a dynamic multidisciplinary service bringing together Counsellors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses and Administration professionals to provide coordinated, person-centred care.
The team provides specialised counselling and case management to clients experiencing drug and alcohol dependence who are also involved with the criminal justice system. Working collaboratively across disciplines, MERIT supports clients through their recovery journey, empowering positive change and helping improve health, wellbeing and quality of life.

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

- Supportive and cooperative 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

- 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.
- Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes, which may involve driving long distances.

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.

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

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

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. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via [email protected] or 1300 40 25 23.

Benefits for Employees

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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📌 MERIT Counsellor/Caseworker- Level 1/2 (North Tamworth)
🏢 Hunter New England Local Health District
📍 North Tamworth