Employment Type: Permanent Full Time, 38 hour per week
Location: SWSLHD District Wide Service
Position Classification: Counsellor Level 4 and also accepting of Social Workers, Welfare Officers and Psychologists.
Remuneration: $121,658 - $124,607 per annum

Requisition ID: REQ578647
Application Close Date: 09/06/2025
Interview Date Range: 18/06/2025 - 25/06/2025
Contact Details: Anna Kearns – 0417 323 181 | [email protected]

About the Opportunity
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with substance use?

Join our dedicated team at the MERIT program and lead a group of professionals committed to transforming lives through compassionate care and innovative treatment.

Flexible Working Arrangements supported.

What You'll be Doing
The primary purpose of this position is to lead the multi-disciplinary teams that provide assessments, evidence-based interventions, case management, co-ordination of clinical and welfare interventions and written and oral reports to clients of the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program.

This position will provide leadership to the MERIT team across South Western Sydney Local Health District. This team provides evidence-based, strengths focused, recovery orientated assessment and treatment within a multi-disciplinary team.

Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program – The MERIT Program is a local court based voluntary diversion program which targets adult defendants with illicit drug use problems who are eligible for release on bail and motivated to undertake drug treatment. The program is three months in duration, reflecting the average local court bail period.

This service provides options for clients to improve their health and social functioning while reducing crime and increasing quality of life.

The working partnership with the court, clinicians and clients helps magistrates administer sentences which can better reflect rehabilitation prospects for successful MERIT clients.

Where You'll Be Working
South Western Sydney is rapidly growing and is a great place for young people and families to build a life. We are close to public transport, a short drive to the beach and the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains and Royal National Park.

The area is growing exponentially with many major shopping centers, great entertainment venues and the development of Sydney’s new airport all located within minutes of new housing estates.

As part of the greater Sydney area, we have bustling metropolitan hubs as well as areas that maintain their rural heritage. It is an incredible place to explore with adventure or relaxation are at your fingertips.

How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please ensure you address the below questions as thoroughly as possible. View our application guide for information on how to respond to criteria and improve your application.

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications which provide eligibility for membership with a professional organisation and or current registration with AHPRA where applicable. Counsellor Lvl 4 Must hold as a minimum a bachelor’s degree in counselling or a related field. Social worker Lvl 4 must hold as a minimum a bachelor’s degree in social work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers. Welfare Officer Lvl 4 - Must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field e.g. community welfare, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer. Senior Psychologist must hold a four-year degree in psychology, being a three-year degree with a fourth-year honors in psychology; and who is registered as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia
2. Demonstrated advanced clinical skills in assessment, case management and counselling within a drug and alcohol service
3. Demonstrated high-level communication skills, including the ability to vet court reports and prepare statistical and technical documentation, combined with proven experience in leading quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and clinical outcomes.
4. Applicants must possess an Australian C-Class driver's license (including P1 or P2). Those who hold a C class license (P1 or P2 included) from a state other than NSW must obtain a NSW C class (P1 or P2 included) license within three months of appointment. Learner's licenses are not permitted.

Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position

Additional Information

Salary Packaging
South Western Sydney Local Health District employees are able to enjoy the benefits of salary packing. Visit Smart Salary for more details.

Health & Fitness
South Western Sydney Local Health District employees receive discounted Gym Membership/Corporate Wellbeing Programs, including Fitness Passport.

Transforming Your Experience
Transforming Your Experience (TYE) is SWSLHDs key strategy to always positively transform your, our patients, our consumers, our staffs and our communities experiences across our organisation and services. Our vision is that our care is always safe, high quality and personalised and all our staff are supported and empowered to achieve their full potential. SWSLHD upholds the CORE Values – Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.