Child Protection Counsellor

Are you passionate about helping children and their families involved with the care and protection system achieve safety and wellbeing, and recover from violence, abuse and/or neglect?

$ $58.52 per hour + 12% super & salary packaging | Temporary Part Time 24 hours per week until 28 June 2026 | Nowra and Warilla Community Health Centre | REQ610764 | Grade: Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Social Worker Level 3 | Applications close: 19 October 2025

Rural Health Workforce Incentives Scheme ? this position qualifies for a Recruitment Incentive Package up to the value of $5,000. Head here for more information. #RuralHealthIncentives

Join us in shaping healthier futures. Together we can do more.

Then you could be the perfect person to join the professionals at Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) Child Protection Counselling Service (CPCS). We?re looking for a qualified Social Worker/Psychologist/Clinical Psychologist who:

· Has extensive direct clinical experience providing counselling for people (including children) who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect and trauma.

· Has knowledge and understanding of the impacts of trauma on the brain and development.

· Has the ability to provide clinical supervision.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a Social Worker/Psychologist/Clinical Psychologist to join the busy and dynamic CPCS team. This position is part of a team of counsellors providing assessments, therapeutic case management, and ongoing counselling to children and their carers who have experienced domestic violence, physical abuse, or neglect.

Based at Nowra Community Health Centre and Warilla Community Health Centre with some outreach throughout the Illawarra

For more information and to view the position classification, see the Position Descriptionhere.

A little about us.

From Helensburgh in the north to North Durras in the south, ISLHD covers an area of 5,687 square kms. That?s 5,687 square kms of beautiful beaches, coastal cycling tracks, lush rainforests, incredible bushwalks and friendly people. The region is also host to many annual food, wine and arts festivals and events.

Located on Dharawal and Yuin Country, ISLHD operate seven hospital sites, employ over 8,500 staff and provide community health services across 58 locations. Commute times are short, childcare and schooling options are plentiful, and Sydney and Canberra are close by.

Benefits of working with ISLHD.

We understand that balancing career aspirations with the demand of the everyday, as well as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, can be a challenge. To help with this, we offer a range of benefits which include:

Allocated Days Off (ADO) - once a month take a paid day off (eligible full-time employees)

Salary packaging - less tax and more take-home pay

Novated leasing - lease a car and pay for all running costs out of your pre-taxed salary (eligible full-time employees)

Fitness Passport - discounted gym membership that both you and your family can enjoy (eligible employees)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free confidential and professional assistance for staff and their families

Career progression, professional development and secondment opportunities

Apply now by reading the Position Description, then, using our online portal, submit a resume and answer the selection criteria within the application. In addition, please note you must have the following essential requirements:

Applicable vaccination requirements for a Category A role

Working With Children Check (WWCC)

Current AHPRA Registration or Social Work degree and eligibility for the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Valid NSW Drivers Licence

This is a temporary leave relief position until 28 June 2026 with the possibility of extension.

ISLHD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

ISLHD 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 wellbeing of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Need more information or help applying?

Visit the ISLHD website for application tips, to learn more about ISLHD and other important application information.

Visit the Stepping Up website here. Stepping Up supports Aboriginal people to navigate the recruitment process and find a career or employment in NSW Health.

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

For role-related queries or help applying, contact Marissa Mcgrath on