Health Clinician - Caseworker – Magistrates Early Referral Treatment (MERIT) program

Employment Type : Permanent Full Time
Position Classification : Counsellor Level 1/ 2, Occupational Therapist Level 1/ 2, Psychologist, Registered Nurse, Social Worker Level 1/ 2, Welfare Officer Level 1/ 2
Remuneration : $ $79,419.00 - $122,465.00 pa (+ superannuation + salary packaging options )
Location: Bourke or Walgett NSW – Find out more
Hours Per Week: 38
Applications Close: 4 October 2026 – 11:59pm

Health Clinician – Caseworker – Magistrates Early Referral Treatment (MERIT) program
Mental Health Drug & Alcohol, Bourke/ Walgett

About the role
Join a dedicated Drug & Alcohol team that is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals experiencing complex alcohol and other drug challenges.
This position plays an important role in helping clients navigate recovery while addressing the broader issues that can impact their lives, including mental health, housing instability and involvement with the justice system. The successful candidate will be required to conduct comprehensive assessments, deliver counselling interventions and develop evidence-based, person-centred treatment plans tailored to individual needs. You will coordinate complex cases, working collaboratively across health, housing, justice and community services to ensure clients receive the support needed to achieve positive outcomes.
A key focus of the position is supporting clients involved in the MERIT program and working closely with local courts across Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett. You will prepare reports for courts, liaise with solicitors and judicial stakeholders,



advocate for clients and facilitate access to treatment pathways including detoxification, residential rehabilitation and other specialist services. Strong relationships with mental health clinicians, Aboriginal organisations, community agencies and other partners are central to the success of the role.
You will join a close-knit team comprising a Senior Clinician, Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Administration Officer and Drug & Alcohol Clinicians who are passionate about supporting people with complex needs. The role is well suited to a clinician with knowledge of alcohol and other drug disorders, comorbid presentations, therapeutic jurisprudence and diversion programs, as well as a commitment to ethical practice, reflective learning, resilience and adaptability.
Working Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, you will benefit from strong connections with Senior Drug & Alcohol teams across Dubbo and the broader Western NSW Local Health District.

Helping you Move to Western NSW
The Welcome Experience is a free NSW Government service supporting workers (and their families) who have accepted a job with Western NSW LHD in most locations. The service helps with housing, schooling, partner work and community connections. Find out more at The Welcome Experience
A career with Western NSW means you can challenge yourself, make an impact and shape the future of rural health.





All suitably qualified Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply for this position. This is a targeted position under GSE Rule 26 . Where possible, affirmative action will be applied to support employment of eligible persons.

This recruitment may be used to create an Eligibility List for similar roles in the future (ongoing or temporary).

Western NSW LHD can provide reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Applicants who provide information on an injury, health condition, or disability in their pre-employment forms will receive a functional assessment from our Risk Management Unit (RMU). This review will consider the applicant’s needs and what reasonable adjustments and workplace supports are available to support their employment journey.

Western NSW LHD is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care. All staff in WNSWLHD are required to provide a protected and supportive environment for children, while working to protect them from harm and abuse. For more information on the Child Safety Standards, visit: NSW Government - Office of Children's Guardian

Western NSW is committed to creating a safe and accessible workplace that promotes diversity, inclusion and belonging. As a vibrant and diverse region, rich in community and culture, we welcome applications from all people to build a respectful workplace dedicated to delivering the best health outcomes for our community.

NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.

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📌 Health Clinician - Caseworker – Magistrates Early Referral Treatment (MERIT)program (Bourke)
🏢 Southern NSW Local Health District
📍 Bourke