Make a lasting impact delivering trauma-informed care for children, families & communities across Inverell and the Northern Tablelands.
Remuneration: $77,358 – $116,038 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives
Location: Inverell Community Health Service
Employment Type: Permanent / Temporary Full Time opportunity available
Position Classification: Counsellor Level 3, Psychologist, Social Worker Level 3
Requisition ID: REQ605209
Applications Close: Monday 22nd September 2025
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.*
* Collaborate and grow: Work in a supportive, multidisciplinary team with structured clinical and cultural supervision.
* Professional development: Access training, mentoring, and networking with VAN professionals across the region.
* Work-life balance: Enjoy allocated days off, salary packaging, Fitness Passport, and proximity to nature.
This is more than a clinical role. You'll provide trauma-informed care that truly changes lives - supporting children, families, and communities affected by violence, abuse, and neglect across the Northern Tablelands. Join a team where your expertise is valued, your contributions matter, and every day brings the satisfaction of meaningful, hands-on work.
The work you'll be proud of
* Deliver counselling and therapeutic support to children, families, and communities impacted by violence, abuse, and neglect.
* Provide care across Inverell and outreach areas including Glen Innes, Warialda, and Tenterfield.
* Apply NSW Health's SAS and CPCS models and champion culturally safe practice, including Aboriginal-led initiatives.
* Support children under the age of criminal responsibility presenting with harmful sexualised behaviours.
* Respond to after-hours psychosocial crises as part of the Tier-2 iVAN roster.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to training initiatives, and mentor students or junior clinicians.
Not sure about permanency? Chat with the Inverell team about opportunities for contract arrangements.
Why Inverell works
Trial rural living in a town that balances affordable living, great schools, and a strong community spirit. Median house prices are around $330,000, with average rents about $340 per week - perfect for families and professionals seeking value.
The town is welcoming, with local events, volunteer opportunities, and tight-knit networks that make settling in seamless. Affordable living, quality education, and a supportive community - Inverell is easy to call home.
About you
You are a compassionate and skilled clinician who brings:
* Expertise in supporting clients affected by complex trauma, abuse, and neglect
* Proven experience delivering therapeutic interventions with children, families, and communities
* Cultural awareness and a strong commitment to culturally safe, community-led practice, particularly in partnership with Aboriginal communities
* Advanced abilities in clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention
* Clear communication skills and a collaborative, solutions-focused mindset
* Confidence working across agencies and contributing to ongoing service development
In this role, you'll also guide students and early-career clinicians, contribute to training initiatives, and remain at the forefront of best practice in trauma-informed care.
Requirements:
* Must hold a qualification: Psychology, Social Work, Counsellor which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association / provisional or general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
* The knowledge, skills and experience to meet the requirements of a Level 3 Allied Health Clinician.
* Current unrestricted NSW Driver's Licence and ability to travel as part of the role within an outreach capacity
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-
* To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
* An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
* 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?
For role related queries or questions contact Tiffany Ehsman 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 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.
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