Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment

Welcome to Southern

**Employment Type**: Temporary Part Time (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
**Requisition ID**: REQ606394
**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_**

**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 Goulburn, 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**
- 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

**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 multi disciplinary 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**

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.

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