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Team Leader (Counsellor Lvl 4) - Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (Merit) Program - Perm Ft
Posted on Feb. 19, 2026
- Sydney Western Suburbs, Australia
- 0 - 0 USD (yearly)
- Full Time
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South Western Sydney Local Health District
Reference number
REQ641708
Occupation
Counsellor
Work type
Full-Time
Location
Sydney - West
Salary Information
$126524 - $129591
Closing date
08 March 2026 at 11:59pm
Requisition ID: REQ641708
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Remuneration: $126524.00 - $129591.00 per year + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Location: Drug Health Services George Street Liverpool
Applications close: 08/03/26
Contact: Anna Kearns - Court Diversion Manager - Drug Health Services on anna.kearns1@health.nsw.gov.au, 0417 323 183
Step into a leadership role that empowers recovery, guides clinical excellence, and helps create safer, healthier futures through the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program.
Achieve Something Great
- Leading a multidisciplinary team delivering evidence‑based assessments, interventions, and coordinated clinical and welfare support for MERIT clients.
- Providing trauma‑informed, person‑centred care that supports individuals seeking help for alcohol and drug use.
- Using innovative, evidence‑based approaches to tailor holistic care plans that address physical, emotional, and social needs.
- Guiding the MERIT team across South Western Sydney to deliver strengths‑focused, recovery‑oriented treatment.
- Supporting a voluntary court‑based diversion program that helps individuals improve health, social functioning, and reduce reoffending.
- Strengthening partnerships between courts, clinicians, and clients to support rehabilitation‑focused sentencing outcomes.
- Contributing to meaningful, community‑level impact by helping individuals build healthier, safer futures.
- Taking pride in a challenging and rewarding specialisation within the alcohol and other drugs sector, grounded in human rights and professional purpose.
Are You the Right Fit?
- You bring strong professional qualifications in counselling, social work, welfare, psychology, or a related field, with eligibility for professional membership or AHPRA registration.
- You’re confident in applying advanced clinical skills, drawing on your experience in assessment, case management and counselling within alcohol and other drug services.
- You’re a natural leader, experienced in guiding a multidisciplinary team and supporting them to deliver high‑quality, evidence‑based interventions.
- You communicate clearly and professionally, comfortable reviewing court material and preparing reports that support both clinical and justice‑related decision‑making.
- You’re committed to continuous improvement and enjoy contributing to initiatives that enhance service quality and client outcomes.
- You’re ready for a role that requires some mobility and hold a valid Australian C‑Class driver’s licence (or are prepared to obtain a NSW licence within the required timeframe).
Selection Criteria
To help us assess your suitability for the role, please tell us as much as you can about yourself in response to the questions below.
1. Relevant tertiary qualifications which provide eligibility for membership with a professional organisation and/or current registration with AHPRA where applicable. A Counsellor must hold as a minimum a bachelor’s degree in counselling or a related field (other qualification such as Social Work, Welfare or Psychology will be deemed equivalent).
2. Demonstrated advanced clinical skills in assessment, case management and counselling within a drug and alcohol service.
3. Demonstrated experience in managing a multidisciplinary team of clinicians providing drug and alcohol interventions.
4. High level communication skills including the ability to vet court reports and prepare statistical and technical reports.
5. Demonstrated experience in leading quality improvement initiatives.
6. Applicants must possess an Australian C-Class driver's license (including P1 or P. 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.
If you’d like more details, we’re here to help.
- Position Information
- Applicants will be assessed against the criteria in the Position Description.
- How to Apply
- Read our application guide and tips for improving your application.
- Diversity, Culture & Inclusion
- We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to accessibility and a supportive recruitment experience. If you require adjustments or assistance during the application process, please contact SWSLHD-EmploymentHub@health.nsw.gov.au
- We value the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our workforce and are committed to fostering a respectful and welcoming environment. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, neurodivergent individuals, those from Refugee, multicultural and multifaith backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.
- Aboriginal Workforce
- For Aboriginal candidates who would like to talk to our Aboriginal Workforce Team, please contact SWSLHD-AboriginalWorkforce@health.nsw.gov.au. Support is also available through the Stepping Up website.
More Than Just a Job – Why Work With Us?
- Financial Perks
- 12% superannuation
- Salary packaging and novated leasing via Smart Salary
- Annual leave with 17.5% leave loading (for full-time and part-time staff)
- One extra day off each month for full-time employees
- Work-Life Balance
- Flexible work options, including hybrid and varied hours (depending on the role)
- Paid maternity and parental leave
- Generous leave options like long service and carers leave
- Grow Your Career
- Access to learning opportunities through our dedicated Education and Organisational Development team, who support staff with training, workshops, and career development programs.
- Health & Wellbeing
- Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport
- Free and confidential support for staff and their families via our Staff Wellbeing and Support Service (EAP)
Wellbeing programs that promote mental health, resilience, and balance
Additional Information
- Temporary visa holders
- May be considered if no suitable citizen or permanent resident is found.
- Vaccination Requirements
- All staff must meet NSW Health’s vaccination and screening requirements before starting.
- Child Safe Employment
- South Western Sydney Local Health District is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s 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.
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