Farmgate Counsellor

Lead with Care, Support with Skill, Empower Change – Strengthening Mental Health in Rural Communities.

Remuneration: $109,247 - $133,156 per annum + super

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until June 2026

Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist Level 3, Social Worker Level 3

Location: Negotiable across the New England Northwest Region

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ618201

Applications Close: Sunday 16th November 2025

Are you passionate about supporting the wellbeing of rural communities? Do you want to use your counselling expertise to make a lasting impact where it's needed most?

Join the Farm Gate Program, a unique initiative dedicated to supporting farmers, farming families, and rural communities across the New England Northwest.

The New England Northwest region is a vibrant rural area renowned for its rich agricultural heritage and resilient farming communities. With its stunning natural landscapes and strong sense of community, the region offers an enriching environment for professionals dedicated to making a meaningful impact on rural mental health and wellbeing.

About the role

The Farm Gate Program delivers vital mental health and emotional support to farmers, farming families, local businesses, and service providers across regional and rural communities facing adversity. Our dedicated team of Counsellors and Peer Workers is committed to understanding and responding to the unique needs of rural life. As a Farm Gate Counsellor, you'll be part of a close-knit team based in the New England Northwest region, with some travel and outreach across local communities. You will provide specialist, high-quality counselling to individuals, families, and agricultural groups affected by natural disasters and ongoing stressors. In partnership with the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, you'll also offer clinical leadership and supervision to emerging practitioners, ensuring best-practice mental health care and support is delivered throughout disaster-affected communities.

What is the Farm Gate program? Read the brochure our clients receive.

Why you'll love working here

• Impact you can see: Every conversation, every visit, every small breakthrough helps strengthen an entire community.
• Beautiful rural lifestyle: Enjoy the open spaces, strong community spirit, and relaxed pace of the New England Northwest.
• Professional growth: Ongoing training, clinical supervision, and career development opportunities provided.
• Supportive team: Work alongside compassionate, experienced Counsellors and Peer Workers who share your passion for rural wellbeing.

About you

A strong commitment to rural and regional communities is essential, along with a deep appreciation of the unique challenges faced by farming families — including natural disasters such as drought, financial pressures, limited infrastructure, social isolation, and ongoing industry change. You will bring a proven ability to support individuals, couples, and families through prolonged stress and adversity. Your empathy, excellent interpersonal skills, and capacity to work independently in remote environments will be central to your effectiveness. A dedication to clinical leadership, continuous professional development, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team will underpin your success in this role. You'll be well supported through a comprehensive orientation and access to ongoing training and learning opportunities.

Requirements

• Recognised degree in a relevant profession (Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work) that provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association, or full registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Valid driver's license and eligibility to drive in NSW, with a willingness to travel as part of the role, including potential overnight stays.
• Demonstrated ability to provide mental health assessments and counselling, including risk assessment, to both adults and children.

What we can offer you

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
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Additional Information

• This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.
• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• 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.

How to apply

Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

• Demonstrated ability in the provision of mental health assessment and counselling (including risk assessment) to adults and children.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the agricultural and social impacts of natural disasters in rural communities with the ability to independently problem-solve, and set priorities in complex situations related to rural clinical practice.
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of trauma informed care and its application to therapeutic interventions with children/young people and their parents/ guardian and family.
• Evidence of ability to build and maintain co-operative professional and therapeutic relationships with individuals, families and agricultural groups within rural communities adversely affected by natural disasters through the application of well-developed interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.

Need 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 Gina Blyton 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.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. 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 HNELHD- for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS via or

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

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