Child Protection Counsellor

Support children & families in recovery from trauma - become a Child Protection Counsellor with Moree's supportive VAN team

Remuneration: $112,396 – $116,038 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives

Location: Moree Community Health Service

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time – Until June 2026

Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3

Requisition ID: REQ600234

Applications Close: Thursday 4th September 2025

This is a Social Work 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:

• Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*
• 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 a motivated, resilient, and compassionate health professional with a strong understanding of trauma, violence, abuse, and neglect? The Moree Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN) Team is seeking a dedicated Child Protection Counsellor to deliver trauma-informed, culturally competent counselling and casework services to children, young people (0–18 years) and their families.

You'll work as part of a small but highly supportive team of four in Moree, backed by the broader Community Health team and the district-wide VAN network. As part of the Child Protection Counselling Service (CPCS), you will provide medium to long-term therapeutic interventions (3–18 months) that are child-focused and family-centred, and designed to support recovery from trauma and reduce future risk

This is a rewarding role for a practitioner who thrives in a collaborative and community-focused environment.

About you:

We are looking for a motivated, organised and resilient health professional who understands the complex impact of violence, abuse and neglect on victims, families, carers and communities. You will display your prior experience providing culturally appropriate and competent services and programs. You will have excellent communication and leadership skills, have an exceptional work ethic and time management skills.

Requirements:
- Must hold a qualification as well as relevant experience in Social Work which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Additional Information:
- - Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. Please note: if your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact HNELHD-
- 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.
- An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
- 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.
- This position is full time; however, part time arrangements will be considered (minimum 2 days per week).
- We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

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 Lee Clissold 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.