SWSLHD - Team Leader - Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program - Perm FT

Step into a leadership role at South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) within Drug Health Services, guiding a multi-disciplinary MERIT (Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment) program team to deliver assessments, evidence-based interventions, and coordinated clinical and welfare interventions for adults seeking help with alcohol and other drug use. You will provide trauma-informed, person-centred care with a holistic approach and lead the MERIT team across the district to support healthier communities.

The primary purpose of this position is to lead the multi-disciplinary teams that provide assessments, evidence-based interventions, case management, co-ordination of clinical and welfare interventions and written reports to clients of the MERIT Program. You will use innovative, evidence-based skills to support individuals seeking assistance with alcohol and drug use, applying a trauma-informed, person-centred approach and comprehensive care planning that addresses physical, emotional, and social needs. This position provides leadership to the MERIT team across SWSLHD. The MERIT Program is a local court based voluntary diversion program targeting eligible adult defendants with illicit drug use problems who are motivated to undertake drug treatment. The service aims to improve clients' health and social functioning while reducing crime and increasing quality of life, within a collaboration with the court, clinicians and clients to support rehabilitation prospects for MERIT clients. A counsellor position in the alcohol and other drugs sector offers a challenging and rewarding specialty with a focus on human rights and stimulating work, with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully at a community level.

To be considered for this position, please ensure you address the below questions as thoroughly as possible. View our application guide for information on how to respond to criteria and improve your application.

• Relevant tertiary qualifications which provide eligibility for membership with a professional organisation and/or current registration with AHPRA where applicable. A Counsellor must hold as a minimum a bachelor's degree in counselling or a related field (other qualifications such as Social Work, Welfare or Psychology will be deemed equivalent).
• Demonstrated advanced clinical skills in assessment, case management and counselling within a drug and alcohol service.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a multidisciplinary team of clinicians providing drug and alcohol interventions.
• High level communication skills including the ability to vet court reports and prepare statistical and technical reports.
• Demonstrated experience in leading quality improvement initiatives.
• Applicants must possess an Australian C-Class driver's license (including P1 or P2). Those who hold a C class license (P1 or P2 included) from a state other than NSW must obtain a NSW C class (P1 or P2 included) license within three months of appointment. Learner's licenses are not permitted.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time, 38 hours per week

Location: Drug Health Services, Level 2, 157-161 George St, Liverpool 2170

Position Classification: Counsellor Level 4

Remuneration: $121,658 - $124,607 per annum

Requisition ID: REQ602660

Application Close Date: 28/09/2025

Interview Date Range: 01/10/2025 – 08/10/2025

Contact Details: Anna Kearns – 0417 323 183 | Anna.Kearns1@health.nsw.gov.au

Notes: A current influenza (flu) vaccination is a mandatory requirement for appointment to this position.

South Western Sydney Local Health District employees are able to enjoy salary packaging through Smart Salary. They also receive discounted gym memberships and corporate wellbeing programs. SWSLHD is committed to equality of opportunity and values diversity, encouraging applicants including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, and people from the LGBTQI+ community.

Transforming Your Experience (TYE) is SWSLHD's strategy to support safe, high-quality, personalised care and a workforce that is empowered to reach their full potential. For permanent NSW Health appointments, eligible applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.

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