Child Protection Counsellor

Support vulnerable families through therapy & advocacy - join a dedicated team making communities safer & stronger every day

Remuneration: $77,358 – $113,226 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging

Location: Wallsend Campus

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time – Until December 2025

Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist., Psychologist., Social Worker Level 3

Requisition ID: REQ602173

Applications Close: Sunday 7th September 2025

This is a Level 3 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 3 applicants, applications from Level 1 and 2 will be considered. The selection criteria reflects the requirements for a Level 3 applicant. Responses from Level 1 or 2 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to the same criteria and their ability to work towards Level 3. The expected performance of the incumbent will be commensurate with his/her years of experience and current level at commencement of appointment. The incumbent will work towards meeting the criteria for Level 3.

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:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• ADO's each month (for full time employees)
• Salary packaging options
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

About the role:

Are you seeking a role where you can work independently while feeling supported by a collaborative, close-knit team? Join the Hunter Child Protection Counselling Service (CPCS) and make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable families.

Due to one of our valued team members taking a secondment, we have a short-term opportunity for someone who is interested in gaining some therapeutic skills and experience in Violence Abuse and Neglect (VAN). In this role, you'll provide therapy, care coordination, and advocacy to families experiencing child protection concerns, working alongside a team of Child Protection Counsellors and an Aboriginal Health and Family Worker. Our focus is on enhancing child safety, strengthening parenting capacity, and supporting placement stability, restoration, and family preservation.

As an outreach service, we meet families in their own communities - working together to keep children safe and support recovery from trauma.

Where you'll be working:

The CPCS is part of the VAN stream within the Children, Young People and Families network. You'll be based in the Harker Building at Wallsend Health Campus, conveniently located at the end of the Hunter Expressway.

You'll receive a mix of formal orientation and hands-on learning, with ongoing professional development through our strong connections with Child Protection Counsellors across the District. Access to ECAV training, regular supervision (individual and group), and peer support ensures you'll continue to grow and refine your skills.

We foster a supportive team culture that values knowledge-sharing, mutual respect, and family-centred care - while never losing sight of the importance of fun and balance.

About you:

• You bring strong therapeutic skills for supporting families.
• You're a team player, enthusiastic about working with vulnerable families who have experienced trauma.
• You have knowledge of child protection, domestic and family violence, and trauma, with a drive to deepen your expertise.
• You're committed to Closing the Gap and enjoy working with Aboriginal families and communities.

What we offer:
- Varied, meaningful work - no two days or families are the same.
- Ongoing support from the team leader and close links with other VAN services at Wallsend.
- A strong commitment to professional growth: monthly group supervision, training, clinical review, and evidence-based practice opportunities.
- The chance to work closely with our Aboriginal Family Health Worker.
- Free onsite parking.
- Flexible work practices to support both staff and the families we serve.

Requirements:

• Must hold Level 3 tertiary qualifications and relevant experience in Social Work, Psychology or Clinical Psychology which provides eligibility or membership with the relevant professional association and/or holds general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
• Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness and ability to travel for work purposes.

Additional information:

• We strongly encourage applicants who identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to apply.
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
• This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements or secondments may also be considered.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
• Hunter New England Health 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.

Need more information?

For role related queries or questions contact Teresa Perram on

Information for Applicants:

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit:

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:

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.