Overview
Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) Case Manager – Goulburn. Temporary Part Time position (until 30 June 2026).
Location: Goulburn. Position Classification: Dependent upon qualifications. Remuneration: Counsellor Lvl 1/2: $37.03 - $52.83 per hour; Occupational Therapist Lvl 1/2: $37.03 - $52.83 per hour; Psychologist: $39.01 - $57.10 per hour; Registered Nurse: $36.39 - $51.09 per hour; Social Worker Lvl 1/2: $37.03 - $52.83 per hour; Welfare Officer Lvl 1/2: $37.03 - $52.83 per hour. Hours Per Week: 31.
Applications Close: 21 September 2025. Interview Details: Scheduled within 10 days of closing. This position qualifies for the NSW Health Rural Incentive scheme with a value of up to $5,000 (note: eligibility information provided in the original description).
Requisition ID: REQ. This role is within the NSW Health system and may involve working in rural settings.
What You'll Be Doing
MERIT (Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment) is a court diversion program that provides the opportunity for suitable local court defendants with drug and alcohol problems to address their substance use, associated lifestyle and health issues.
Engaging with people who are before the court with a history of or current drug use. Providing, as part of a multidisciplinary team, assessment and case management that will help to improve their lifestyle and health in an effort to reduce re-offending.
The MERIT Case Manager will provide assessment, intensive case management, support, counselling and treatment to defendants with a drug and/or alcohol issue who have current legal matters in a Local MERIT Court and MERIT treatment area.
Selection Criteria
Tertiary Qualifications and current registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as a Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Psychologist OR Tertiary Qualifications for Social Worker, Counsellor or Welfare Officer with eligibility for membership for relevant professional association.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience of holistic treatment and prevention approaches in the alcohol and other drugs field applicable to people presenting with complex needs, including but not limited to screening, assessment, brief intervention, withdrawal management, contributing to treatment and discharge planning, referral, group work and community follow up.
Applied knowledge and competency in case management and treatment options for people and their families who present with problematic or harmful drug use.
Demonstrated experience in liaison and working in partnership with government and non-government services, and community groups.
Demonstrated leadership within a diverse range of inpatient and/or outreach settings with the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team or autonomously.
Demonstrated high level communication skills, advanced written, oral communication and competent computer skills.
Evidence of a current unrestricted drivers' licence and the ability to maintain. Ability and willingness to drive/travel as the role requires. This may involve driving long distances and overnight stays.
Support for Applicants
Applicants for this position may qualify for the NSW Health Rural Health Workforce Incentives Scheme (RHWIS).
Working within SNSWLHD.
Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero.
Salary packaging options.
Health and Wellbeing benefits including Fitness Passport, and annual Influenza vaccinations.
A team that values your expertise, invests in your development and supports your lifestyle.
Moving to the area? Visit The Welcome Experience | NSW Government.
Information for applicants
Southern NSW Local Health District is committed to closing the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This site provides guidance, resources, and tools to help applicants confidently apply for roles and build meaningful careers in health.
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 policy.
Southern NSW Local Health District 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. 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.
We're an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ people, and others who bring diverse experiences. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. For more information, contact
To be eligible for permanent employment you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport. For more information, see immiaustralia.gov.au.
Need more information? Click here for the Position Description and find out more about applying for this position. For role-related queries contact Elizabeth Bruce at or.
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