At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with drug and alcohol issues through assessments and case coordination.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Western NSW Local Health District.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, incentives, professional development, and supportive work environment.
- Other info: Encouraging diverse applicants and offering reasonable workplace adjustments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in health.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of trauma-informed care and the criminal justice system required.
The predicted salary is between 64985 - 118754 $ per year.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Health Education Officer, Health Educator Officer Non Graduate
Remuneration: $64,985.00 - $118,754.00 pa (+ superannuation + salary packaging options) + NSW Health Incentives (conditions apply, may be pro-rata'd to your contracted or ordinary working hours)
Location: Bourke, NSW
Hours Per Week: 38
Applications Close: 25 August 2026 - 11:59pm
About the role
If you are a professional who has knowledge of trauma informed care, the criminal justice system and are committed to reflective practice, this role is for you. The MERIT program is an essential program providing early intervention for persons affected by drug and/or alcohol issues to find and access treatment programs to help improve their health outcomes.
In this role, you will be an integral part of the Court Diversion Program, providing person-centred treatment programs and case coordination for people in the judicial system with drug and/or alcohol issues. You will be supported by likeminded staff invested in helping people who have complex drug & alcohol issues and be a part of a district-wide team, with learning and development opportunities encouraged and supported.
The position will be supported by their clinical lead for clinical matters and operationally managed by the MERIT Team Leader. Performance development is supported through regular catchups and the implementation of a tailored training matrix. This matrix identifies individual and team learning needs, guiding professional development and enhancing service delivery capacity. By investing in our workforce, we ensure our team remains responsive, skilled, and equipped to meet the complex needs of our clients.
The key capabilities for this role include:
- Conducting comprehensive assessments; treatment planning implementing evidence-based, person-centred treatment plans
- Case coordination - skilled to manage complex cases that involve Justice, health, housing etc.
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system, especially therapeutic jurisprudence and diversion programs.
- Knowledge of AOD disorders, Comorbidities
- Commitment to reflective practice, resilience and adaptability and ethical practice
For the successful applicant, a typical work day will involve triage, assessments, counselling, case managing or advocating for clients into other services. Linking in with Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett local court. Writing reports with updates to courts and liaising with Solicitors. This program works within business hours Monday to Friday.
A career with Western NSW means you can challenge yourself, make an impact and shape the future of rural health. To explore the benefits of a career in our Local Health District, visit the WNSWLHD website.
Additional information for applicants:
- All suitably qualified Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply for this position. This is a targeted position under GSE Rule 26. Where possible, affirmative action will be applied to support employment of eligible persons.
- This recruitment may be used to create an Eligibility List for similar roles in the future (ongoing or temporary).
- Western NSW LHD can provide reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Applicants who provide information on an injury, health condition, or disability in their pre-employment forms will receive a functional assessment from our Risk Management Unit (RMU). This review will consider the applicant's needs and what reasonable adjustments and workplace supports are available to support their employment journey.
- Western NSW LHD is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care. All staff in WNSWLHD are required to provide a safe and supportive environment for children, while working to protect them from harm and abuse.
- Western NSW is committed to creating a safe and accessible workplace that promotes diversity, inclusion and belonging. As a vibrant and diverse region, rich in community and culture, we welcome applications from all people to build a respectful workplace dedicated to delivering the best health outcomes for our community.
To find out more about the remuneration and conditions, visit NSW Public Health System Awards. For more information, visit a Guide to Employment with WNSWLHD.
Drug & Alcohol Caseworker - Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) Program - Incentives Offered in Bourke employer: NSW Health
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