Make a meaningful impact—support healing, safety and recovery in rural communities.
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until November 2026
Position Classification: Psychologist, Social Worker Level 1/2, Counsellor Level 1/2
Remuneration: $63, $117,755.00 p.a + superannuation + Rural Health Incentives
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ636543
Location: Inverell Community Health Service
Applications Close: Sunday 1st February 2026
Where you'll be working
Set in the picturesque Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Inverell is a thriving rural town known for its welcoming community spirit, rich heritage and stunning natural surrounds. With national parks, rivers and sweeping landscapes on your doorstep, it's an ideal location for those who love the outdoors and value a balanced lifestyle.
As a key regional centre, Inverell offers the best of both worlds—relaxed country living paired with modern amenities—and provides health professionals with the opportunity to make a genuine, lasting impact in rural communities.
What you'll be doing
Are you passionate about supporting people where it matters most? We're seeking a motivated and compassionate Social Worker, Psychologist or Counsellor to join our Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN) Team at Inverell Community Health Centre.
In this rewarding role, you'll support individuals and families affected by violence, abuse and neglect across rural communities in Northern NSW, as part of the NSW Health Sexual Assault and Child Protection Counselling Services. You'll deliver trauma-informed, client-centred care that promotes safety, healing and recovery.
Your work will include:
* Providing psychosocial assessments and therapeutic interventions
* Developing and coordinating tailored, holistic care plans
* Working across Inverell, Tingha, Glen Innes, Warialda, Ashford and Tenterfield
* Collaborating closely with partner agencies and multidisciplinary teams
You won't be doing this alone. You'll be supported by an experienced leadership team, including the Inverell Community Health Manager, VAN Team Clinical Coordinator, and the Aboriginal Family Wellbeing and Violence Prevention Network. Regular clinical and cultural supervision, ongoing professional development, and strong peer connections across the district will ensure you feel supported and confident in your role.
About you
You're a committed clinician who brings professionalism, empathy and resilience to complex and emotionally challenging work. You'll draw on evidence-based practice to support clients while maintaining strong self-care and reflective practice.
You'll demonstrate:
* A solid understanding of the impacts of violence, abuse and neglect on children, young people, families and communities
* Strong clinical assessment and care-planning skills
* Clear, compassionate written and verbal communication
* The ability to build trusting relationships with clients and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
* Emotional intelligence and resilience, particularly in managing vicarious trauma
* Excellent organisation, time-management and prioritisation skills
You're proactive in engaging in professional supervision, ongoing learning and contributing to your discipline's professional network—especially within a rural health setting.
Why join us?
This is a deeply rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families, while enjoying the benefits of rural living and being part of a supportive, values-driven team.
If you're ready to support safety, healing and recovery where it's needed most, we'd love to hear from you.
What we can offer you
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.*
* 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 Worklife 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
*
o 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-
* An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
* 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.
* 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.
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 Belinda Robinson on
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:
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directivePD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseasesfor Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
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 contactHNELHD- for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
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.
Connect with us onFacebook andLinkedIn
RuralIncentives
.