[27/10/2025] Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment

Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) Case Manager - Bega, Moruya and Goulburn - Incentives Offered

Welcome to Southern

Employment Type : Temporary Full Time (until 30 June 2026)

Location : Bega , Moruya or 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 : 38

Requisition ID : REQ614798

Applications Close : 31 October 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 (dependent on location)

Visit the NSW Health AOD page for information on pursuing a career in the Alcohol and Other Drugs sector.

About the service

Drug and Alcohol Clinician - Support Recovery and Wellness in Our Community

Are you dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use?

At Southern, our Drug and Alcohol Clinicians provide compassionate, evidence-based care to support recovery, reduce harm, and promote wellbeing in a rural setting. You’ll work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams to deliver tailored interventions and support lasting change.

Join us to empower recovery and build healthier futures.

Support for

- 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

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 Practitioners 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 with 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.

We look forward to learning more about you and what you can bring to our team.

Information for applicants

Southern NSW Local Health District is committed to closing the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As part of this commitment, the Stepping Up website has been developed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job applicants through the NSW Health recruitment process. The 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 requirements outlined in 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. 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.

At Southern NSW Local Health District, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a workplace where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is part of everyday practice, and our people are supported to succeed. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ people, and others who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to our workforce. For more information, click here.

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 Estelle.Roberts1@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.

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. For more information, please see www.immi.gov.au.

Need more information?

- Click here for the Position Description

- Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Elizabeth Keir on elizabeth.keir@health.nsw.gov.au or phone: 0459 651 602.

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NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.

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