Sexual Assault Counsellor

Join a team where cultural strength and trauma-informed care create pathways to healing.

Remuneration: $62,480 - $116,038 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging

Location: Tamworth Community Health Service | Kamilaroi/Gomeroi Country

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/2/3, Counsellor Level 1/2/3, Psychologist, Sexual Assault Worker non-graduate

Requisition ID: REQ619466

Applications Close: Sunday 16th November 2025

This is a position identified for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people on the basis of a genuine occupational qualification under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criteria.

Applicants must be female - under Section h) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

What you'll be doing

Are you passionate about supporting Aboriginal children, families, and communities to heal and thrive? Join our Child and Family Health Allied Health team within the Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN) service, where your cultural knowledge and compassion will make a lasting impact.

As an Aboriginal Counsellor, you'll play a key role in providing specialist, culturally safe support to people affected by sexual assault and trauma. We offer a supportive environment where your voice and expertise contribute to real, positive change for Aboriginal people and communities.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver culturally responsive counselling, advocacy, and case support to children and adults who have experienced recent or historical sexual assault.
• Provide crisis responses within the Tamworth Hospital Emergency Department, coordinating medical forensic care and collaborating closely with hospital and community partners.
• Work alongside Sexual Assault Counsellors and VAN clinicians to ensure all clients receive trauma-informed, compassionate, and confidential care.
• Strengthen partnerships across services supporting Aboriginal children and families by offering cultural consultation, leadership, and advocacy.
• Build strong, respectful relationships with community—participating in local and national events on Country to promote healing, safety, and wellbeing.
• Be part of a team that values cultural knowledge, connection, and collaboration.

About you

You're someone who brings heart, culture, and commitment to everything you do. You're guided by a deep understanding of community and the strength that comes from connection, healing, and shared stories.

You will be someone who is:

• Guided by culture – You centre Aboriginal perspectives in your work, creating spaces that are safe, respectful, and empowering for children, families, and communities.
• Trauma-informed and client-centred – You approach every situation with empathy and calm, offering steady, compassionate support through complex and sensitive experiences.
• Collaborative and community-focused – You value partnerships and work hand-in-hand with NSW Police, DCJ, mental health teams, and other agencies to ensure holistic, culturally safe care.
• Committed to advocacy and healing – You're passionate about improving outcomes for Aboriginal children, families, and communities, and you bring courage, respect, and hope to your work every day.

Why join us?

When you join our team, you'll be supported, valued, and encouraged to grow — both personally and professionally.

• Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing support – Benefit from a thorough orientation, individual clinical supervision, cultural supervision, and guidance from a dedicated Professional Lead.
• Commitment to your development – Access regular education, training, and professional development opportunities to strengthen your skills and career pathway.
• A connected, collaborative team – Work alongside a supportive multidisciplinary group across Child & Family Health, Mental Health, and Allied Health, where teamwork and respect are at the core of what we do.
• A culture of learning and reflection – Be part of a workplace that values reflective practice, peer learning, and shared wisdom — including dedicated CPD days and local discipline-specific meetings.

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 Proximity to shopping and other services
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
• 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

Requirements

• Current Unrestricted NSW driver's licence

Accepted Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Social Work, which provides eligibility for membership to Australian Association of Social Workers;
• Degree in Psychology, with full registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia;
• Tertiary qualifications in Counselling or Welfare from a recognised and accepted education provider as deemed appropriate by the employer;
• Completed ECAV qualification pathway - Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services (Interpersonal Trauma) or willingness to complete.

How to apply:

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

• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in relation to sexual assault, family violence, historical child protection interventions and how these have affected Aboriginal people
• Advanced skills in providing individual and group counselling for Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people within a trauma framework including advanced skills of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop, facilitate and evaluate programs relating to sexual assault, family violence, child abuse, and neglect.
• Demonstrated reasoning skills and the ability to work both autonomously and to contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary team across an interagency framework, including high level written and oral communication skills, a high level of organisational skills with the ability to meet competing deadlines and experience in using computer programs such as Microsoft programs.

Additional Information

• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
• This position is full time; however, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
• 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?

1) Click here for the Position Description

2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Marisa Barnes 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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