Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until June 2026
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 4, Counsellor Level 4, Psychologist
Location: Awabakal or Kamilaroi Country | Newcastle or Tamworth
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ525199
Applications Close: Sunday, 8th December 2024
Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.
About us:
These new roles will have membership of a dedicated network of Social Workers, Psychologists and Counsellors who are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. There are two positions, one to be based in Newcastle and the other in Tamworth. Successful candidates will join a close-knit group of professionals, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, who work as part of the HNE New Street Service and HNE Sparks Services, who are passionate about providing early intervention and trauma informed care and culturally safe care to children and young people who have demonstrated problematic or harmful sexualised behaviour (PHSB), and their families.
About the role:
These positions will provide vital clinical leadership to the new Pathways to Safety and Support Pilot Service (PSSP). PSSP is a DCJ funded, NGO led service that will establish a new referral, triage and support service for children and young people (aged 0-17 years) with and harmed by PHSB and their families and care givers. These positions will and provide clinical expertise, advice and support to DCJ and the NGO provider in the establishment and implementation of the new centralised referral pathway, that is PSSP. Supporting the NGO to provide culturally safe responses is also a key responsibility of these roles.
These roles provide an exciting opportunity to have direct input into new service design and make positive system wide improvements to the way the needs of children and young people with PHSB, and those impacted by PHSB are met.
Successful applicants will be supported by a comprehensive orientation and training program, as well as high quality and regular clinical supervision. These roles will be tightly connected with the New Street Service, Sparks Services and the wider Violence, Abuse and Neglect Network in HNELHD. High quality professional development will be provided by the NSW Health Education Centre Against Violence.
About you:
These roles are suitable for Social Workers, Psychologists and Counsellors experienced in providing assessment, safety planning, therapeutic intervention and systems advocacy for vulnerable children, young people and families and those who have experienced violence, abuse and neglect. Strong knowledge and skills in working with children and young people (0-17 years) who have demonstrated PHSB is desirable. Experience working in large government departments as well as the NGO sector would be valuable. Candidates who have skills in leading change while building collaborative and effective interagency partnerships will be highly regarded.
Well developed knowledge and skills providing culturally safe services will be vital, as too will be a commitment to ongoing reflection and learning in relation to delivering care that embeds the importance of culture to the overall wellbeing of children, young people and families.
Requirements:
- Bachelor of Social Work which provides eligibility for membership to Australian Association of Social Workers OR
- Degree in Psychology with full registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, OR
- Bachelor’s degree in Counselling from a recognised and accepted education provider, with appropriate accreditation or registration as deemed appropriate by the employer.
- Valid unrestricted drivers’ licence for use in NSW/Australia and willingness to travel in the course of employment.
What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you’re challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You’ll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:
- 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 Worklife balance
- Salary packaging options – up to $11,600 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
- Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals