Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment

**Employment Type**: Temporary Part Time (until 30 June 2026)
**Location**:Bega**
**Position Classification**: Dependent upon qualifications
**Remuneration**:
Counsellor Lvl 1/2: $37.03 to $52.83 per hour
Occupational Therapist Lvl 1/2: $37.03 to $52.83 per hour
Psychologist: $39.01 to $57.10 per hour
Registered Nurse: $36.39 to $51.09 per hour
Social Worker Lvl 1/2: $37.03 to $52.83 per hour
Welfare Officer Lvl 1/2: $37.03 to $52.83 per hour
**Hours Per Week**: 32
**Requisition ID**: REQ599655
**Applications Close**: 28 August 2025
**Interview Information**: Scheduled within 10 days of closing

**_This position qualifies for the NSW Health Rural Incentive scheme with a value of up to $5,000_**
- Be part of the vibrant and professional team working to improve the health of our communities._
- Join our dynamic workforce utilising innovative, evidence-based skills and interventions to professionally support people requesting assistance with alcohol and drug use. We employ trauma informed practice and a respectful, person-centred approach. An inclusive and committed team, where you can bring your whole self to work._

Southern NSW Local Health District covers a large area of the southern half of NSW. Surrounding the ACT on three sides and all the way down to the Victorian border, it extends from the pristine beaches of the NSW South Coast, the farmlands of the Southern Tablelands, across the picturesque Great Dividing Range and the spectacular Snowy Mountains. We have 18 facilities and our hospitals take care of more than 200,000 people. As we are a major local employer, our staff are a part of our local communities. To find out more on what it is like to live and work in Southern NSW LHD click here**:Welcome to Southern**

**What we offer**
- Salary Packaging: up to $9k for living expenses + $2.6k meal & entertainment + Novated leasing
- Corporate Health and Fitness program
- 12% Superannuation on top of your gross income
- Annual Leave Loading

**Where you'll be working**
There is an abundance of lifestyle benefits available to you in country NSW and you will be amazed at what you will have access to. It all comes without the queues and crowds of a big city. Bega the rural heartland of the Sapphire Coast a short drive to beautiful sandy beaches and national park wilderness. The perfect climate to the outdoors all year round, including whale watching between June and November. The pretty valley is a beautiful base for exploring gorgeous beaches and tranquil waterways. Situated between Melbourne and Sydney and just 3 hours to Canberra. **Imagine Rural**

**What you'll be doing**
MERIT (Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment) is a court diversion program that provides the opportunity for suitable local court defendants with drug and alcohol problems to address their substance use, associated lifestyle and health issues.

Engaging with people who are before the court with a history of or current drug use. Providing as part of a multi disciplinary team, assessment and case management that will help to improve their lifestyle and health in an effort to reduce re-offending.

The MERIT Case manager will provide assessment, intensive case management, support, counselling and treatment to defendants with a drug and/ or alcohol issue, who have current legal matters in a Local MERIT Court and MERIT treatment area.

**Selection Criteria**
- Tertiary Qualifications and current registration with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency as a Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Psychologist OR Tertiary Qualifications for Social Worker, Counsellor or Welfare Officer with eligibility for membership for relevant professional association.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of holistic treatment and prevention approaches in the alcohol and other drugs field applicable with people presenting with complex needs, including but not limited to screening, assessment, brief intervention, withdrawal management, contributing to treatment and discharge planning, referral, group work and community follow up.
- Applied knowledge and competency in case management and treatment options for people and their families who present with problematic or harmful drug use.
- Demonstrated experience in liaison and working in partnership with government and non government services, and community groups.
- Demonstrated leadership within a diverse range of inpatient and/or outreach settings with the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team or autonomously.
- Demonstrated high level communication skills, advanced written, oral communication and competent computer skills.
- Evidence of a current unrestricted drivers' licence and the ability to maintain. Ability and willingness to drive/travel as the role requires. This may involve driving long distances and overnight stays.

**Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specific Diseases**
This is a Category A position, please read and understand NSW Health poli