Drug & Alcohol Caseworker - Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT)

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (up to 30 Sep 2026)

Position Classification: Health Education Officer / Health Education Officer Non Grad

Remuneration: $62, $114,187.00 pa (+ superannuation + salary packaging options)

Location: Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, NSW – Find out more

Hours Per Week: 38

Applications Close: 9 November 2025 – 11:59pm

Drug & Alcohol Caseworker - Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT)

Mental Health Drug & Alcohol

About the role

The Caseworker will be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments; treatment planning implement evidence-based, person-centred treatment plans and case coordination.

The role also provides support, counselling and treatment to defendants with a drug and/ or alcohol issue, who have current legal matters in a Local Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Court and MERIT treatment area.

Monday – Friday – 8.30am – 17:00

Team is made up of Clinical Lead, Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Admin, and Drug & Alcohol Clinician. Working alongside likeminded staff who are investing in assisting people who have complex Drug & Alcohol issues and addressing the many complexities that come with addictions.

Triage, Assessments, counselling, case managing or advocating for clients into other services. Linking in with Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett local court. Writing reports with updates to courts and liaising with Solicitors. MERIT caseworkers, Mental Health clinicians, other stakeholders, Aboriginal organisation. Detox and Residential rehabs, solicitors and Judges. Additionally linking with Senior MERIT Team Leaders

The position will be supported by their clinical lead for clinical matters and operational managed by the MERIT Team Leader.

Performance development is supported through regular catchups and the implementation of a tailored training matrix. This matrix identifies individual and team learning needs, guiding professional development and enhancing service delivery capacity. By investing in our workforce, we ensure our team remains responsive, skilled, and equipped to meet the complex needs of our clients

To find out more about the role click to view the Position Description

A career with Western NSW means you can challenge yourself, make an impact and shape the future of rural health. To explore the benefits of a career in our Local Health District, visit the WNSWLHD website.

To apply for this role:

• Click 'Apply'
• Create a profile in the Recruitment & Onboarding (ROB) System or sign in using your existing login
• Upload your current resume
• Answer the selection criteria

Role-related enquiries: Please contact Jenny Taylor, Team Leader Community Drug & Alcohol programs Dubbo & Region on or at for more information.

Additional information for applicants:

• All suitably qualified Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply for this position. This is a targeted position under GSE Rule 26. Where possible, affirmative action will be applied to support employment of eligible persons.
• This recruitment may be used to create an Eligibility List for similar roles in the future (ongoing or temporary).
• Western NSW LHD can provide reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Applicants who provide information on an injury, health condition, or disability in their pre-employment forms will receive a functional assessment from our Risk Management Unit (RMU). This review will consider the applicant's needs and what reasonable adjustments and workplace supports are available to support their employment journey.
• Western NSW LHD is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care. All staff in WNSWLHD are required to provide a safe and supportive environment for children, while working to protect them from harm and abuse. For more information on the Child Safety Standards, visit: NSW Government - Office of Children's Guardian
• Western NSW is committed to creating a safe and accessible workplace that promotes diversity, inclusion and belonging. As a vibrant and diverse region, rich in community and culture, we welcome applications from all people to build a respectful workplace dedicated to delivering the best health outcomes for our community.
• To find out more about the remuneration and conditions, visit NSW Public Health System Awards
• For more information, visit a Guide to Employment with WNSWLHD