Remuneration: $61.31 - $63.29 Per Hour + 12% Super + Salary Packaging

Employment Type: Permanent Part Time

Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3

Hours Per Week: 28

Location: Tamworth CHS

Requisition ID: REQ699869

Applications Close: Thursday 26th November 2026

Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.

? About the Role

As a Child Protection Counsellor within the PARVAN team, you’ll play a meaningful role in strengthening the safety, wellbeing and future outcomes of children, young people and families experiencing complex challenges.

Your day-to-day work will involve responding to referrals from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), non-government Out of Home Care (OOHC) providers and tertiary health services, supporting children and families where concerns have been identified regarding child safety, welfare and wellbeing.

Working across family preservation, restoration and long-term Out of Home Care, you’ll deliver therapeutic counselling to children and relevant family members, while collaborating closely with key stakeholders to strengthen protective factors, address identified concerns and reduce risks to children and young people. You’ll also support families and care teams where existing care arrangements are experiencing challenges or are at risk of breaking down.

You’ll be supported to grow your clinical expertise through:

? Specialist professional development: Access ECAV training within your first 12 months, with some training requiring travel to Sydney.

? Dedicated clinical guidance: Receive ongoing consultation, clinical advice and onsite orientation from an experienced PARVAN Clinical Lead.

? Professional supervision: Benefit from monthly professional supervision, alongside access to District Group Supervision and the broader PARVAN team.

? Leadership and support: Work closely with the PARVAN Service Manager, with ongoing support and guidance to strengthen your practice and professional development.

Reporting to the PARVAN Service Manager, you’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive service committed to improving safety, strengthening families and achieving better outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

? Where You’ll Be Working

Based in Tamworth, proudly recognised as the Country Music Capital of Australia, you’ll be working from the Community Health Building, conveniently located within the Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital (TRRH) grounds.

As a Level 4 hospital with a strong commitment to teaching and professional development, TRRH provides a supportive healthcare environment and opportunities to build your clinical expertise.

You’ll join the PARVAN (Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect) New England Northwest Team, a dedicated multidisciplinary team of Child Protection Counsellors and Sexual Assault Counsellors delivering specialised support to children, young people and families impacted by violence, abuse and neglect.

? Why Work and Live Here?

Enjoy the best of regional living, with an active lifestyle, a welcoming community and room to thrive both personally and professionally.

Offering affordable housing, a relaxed pace of life, excellent schools and childcare facilities, regional living provides the perfect balance of convenience, lifestyle and a strong sense of community.

Whether you’re passionate about horse riding, motorbike riding, mountain biking, swimming, tennis, basketball, netball or exploring other sporting and recreational pursuits, there’s no shortage of opportunities to stay active, discover new interests and enjoy the outdoors.

With a university campus,



a range of fitness centres and gyms, health and wellbeing programs, fantastic dining options and plenty of opportunities for social connection, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

Beyond the lifestyle, you’ll become part of a welcoming, supportive and highly engaged team that values collaboration, encourages professional growth and provides opportunities to build meaningful connections while making a genuine difference in the community.

A wonderful place to grow your career, embrace a connected community and enjoy a lifestyle that offers more than just a place to work.

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:

At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

Supportive and collaborative 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:

- Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work/Psychology and eligible for registration/ membership of Australian Association of Social Workers/Psychologists.
- Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes which may involve driving long distances.

If this sounds like you, we would love you to apply:

?️ Child protection expertise: Demonstrated understanding of risk assessment within a child protection context, with the ability to recognise concerns, assess safety and contribute to meaningful outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

? Collaborative partnerships: Highly developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster effective inter-agency partnerships and work collaboratively towards sustainable, positive change for families.

? Family-centred practice: A genuine commitment to partnering with families, recognising their strengths and supporting them to identify and achieve meaningful goals.

? Reflective clinical practice: Strong self-awareness and reflective practice skills, with the ability to critically evaluate your approach, embrace professional learning and continually strengthen your clinical practice.

⭐ Autonomous practice and teamwork: Confidence working independently within a sole clinician capacity, while actively contributing to the ongoing development, collaboration and strategic direction of the broader PARVAN team.

? Professional resilience and self-care: A sound understanding of self-care strategies, professional boundaries and the importance of regular clinical supervision to maintain wellbeing and minimise the impact of vicarious trauma.

Bring your dedication, professionalism, and heart for healthcare to our team - we can’t wait to hear from you!

Additional information:

- Interviews are scheduled to commence in the first week of December 2026.




- An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary 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 secure, 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 Current 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.

How to apply:

Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

- Demonstrated understanding and application of NSW Health Child Protection policies, procedures and child protection legislation.
- A well-developed knowledge of the psycho-social challenges facing families in the relevant clinical area and a sound knowledge of relevant community resources and support services available to the children and families.
- Proven ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, and to build and maintain collaborative relationshipswith key internal and external stakeholders through the application of well-developed interpersonal, case co-ordination, organisational and time management skills.

Need more information?

- Click here for the Position Description
- Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Susan Walker on [email protected]

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: 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: 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.

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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📌 Child Protection Counsellor - Targeted (Australia)
🏢 NSW Health
📍 Australia