Sexual Assault Counsellor Identified Incentives Offered

Helping mob heal through culturally strong compassionate care

Remuneration: $64979 - $117755 per annum (dependent on qualifications) superannuation salary packaging rural incentives
Location: Tamworth Community Health Service Kamilaroi/Gomeroi Country
Employment Type: PermanentFull Time
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/2/3 Counsellor Level 1/2/3 Psychologist Sexual Assault Worker non-graduate
Requisition ID:REQ629712
Applications Close:Monday 12th January 2026

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 31 (2) (h) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

What youll 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 youll 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 communityparticipating 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

Youre someone who brings heart culture and commitment to everything you do. Youre 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 Youre 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 youll 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 youre 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 $10000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*
• 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 work life balance
• Salary packaging options - up to $11600 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 drivers 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.

1. Can you describe your knowledge and experience in working with issues related to sexual assault family violence and historical child protection interventions including your understanding of how these issues have impacted Aboriginal people

2. Can you provide examples that demonstrate your advanced skills in individual and group counselling for Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people within a trauma framework and your experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop deliver and evaluate programs related to sexual assault family violence child abuse or neglect

3. How have you demonstrated strong reasoning skills the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary or interagency teams and high-level written oral and organisational skills Please also describe your experience using computer programs such as Microsoft Office.

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 .
• 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 Healths 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: Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information please visit: is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024015: 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 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.

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