Caseworker/Counsellor - Hunter Drug Court

Looking for a way to make a real impact on our community? Be at the forefront of a dynamic workforce utilising innovative, evidence-based skills and interventions to professionally support people requesting assistance with alcohol and drug use.

With a rewarding career in alcohol and other drugs, you can be part of the vibrant and professional team enriching health in millions of ways every day.

Our benefits:

• A collaborative, teams-based multi-disciplinary approach to patient care
• Engaging and intellectually stimulating work
• A team that is inclusive, respectful, and values the diverse communities it serves
• A position dedicated to empowering others to achieve their goals
• ADO's each month (for full time employees)
• Salary packaging options
  Fitness Passport
• Employment type: Permanent Full Time
  
  Position classification: Social Worker Level 1/2, Psychologist, Counsellor Level 1/2, Occupational Therapist Level 1/2, Registered Nurse
  
  Remuneration: $74,317 - $117,755 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging
  
  Hours per week: 38
  
  Requisition ID: REQ

Who we are:

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. The alcohol and other drugs team work for the greater good through an open, flexible and dynamic, strengths-based approach. We listen to understand, not label.

We are an inclusive and committed team where staff are encouraged to bring their whole self to work, and are proud that our team is as diverse as the vibrant communities we support.

You will be working as part of our multidisciplinary team for Drug Court – a program that is intertwined within our Court Diversion Program and sits under Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services (DACS). You will be surrounded by a team that boasts a broad range of clinicians and experiences, giving you support to work effectively in this role and potentially broadening your knowledge. As a part of our Drug Court team, you will be based at Newcastle Community Health, located in close proximity to public transport, school and local amenities.

What you'll be doing:

Using innovative, evidence-based skills and interventions, you will professionally support individuals seeking assistance with alcohol and drug use. You will take a trauma-informed approach and provide respectful, person-centred care, tailored to individual's needs. Central to your role will be employing an individualised, holistic approach to care, incorporating comprehensive care planning to address the diverse physical, emotional, and social aspects of each person's journey.

You will be responsible for completing assessments, developing treatment plans, making referrals, and providing counselling to clients, as well as writing court reports and completing other documentation where necessary.

A position in the alcohol and other drugs sector offers a challenging and rewarding specialisation. It provides the opportunity to take pride in the field, with a strong focus on human rights and intellectually stimulating work. Your contribution as a healthcare professional will have a meaningful and positive impact, which is felt at a community level.

Criteria:

Candidates will need to meet the following criteria:

• Must hold a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Counselling, Occupational Therapy, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer, which provides either eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association or full registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
• Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes, which may involve driving long distances.
• Demonstrated capacity to provide drug and alcohol practice including comprehensive assessment, intervention, evidence-based counselling models of care and ability to apply case management principles.
• Evidence of effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences and provide quality written and oral reports.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development, evidence-based practice and continuous improvement

People of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background are encouraged to apply.

More information:

1) Click here for the Position Description

2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Leeona Moxey on

This is a NSW Health Category A position which requires immunisation and screening for certain diseases. The full list of requirements are outlined in the NSW Health OASV Policy (Page 11). You will be required to complete the OASV Undertaking/ Declaration Form and TB Assessment Tool during the recruitment process. Please upload this with your application along with any other vaccination evidence that you may have.

NSW Health is committed to implementing the Child Safe Standards.

Applications close: Sunday 16th November 2025