Child Protection Counsellor (Social Worker Lvl 1/2 | Psychologist) - Perm FT
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time, 38 hours per week
Location: Health Services Building Liverpool
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/2, Psychologist
Remuneration: Based on classification
Social Worker Level 1/2: $ 73,427.00 - $104,753.00 per annum
Psychologist: $77,358.00– $113,226.00 per annum
Requisition ID: REQ540756
Application Close Date: 12/01/2025
Interview Date Range: 15/01/2025 – 22/01/2025
Contact Details: Mcdonald, Laura – 0429 121 683 | Laura.Mcdonald@health.nsw.gov.au
About the Opportunity
The Child Protection Counselling Service (CPCS) in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) has an exciting opportunity for a clinician to join a collaborative and professional team. This position is for permanent full-time Child Protection Counsellor (Social Worker Level 1/2 or Psychologist). The central unit for the CPCS is based within the Liverpool LGA, with CPCS Counsellors located in some Health Centres across the SWSLHD. This position is primarily based at the central unit in the Liverpool LGA. This role is Monday to Friday (0830 – 1700) with some flexible working arrangements available.
SWSLHD operates its services on the lands of the Dharawal Darug and Gundungurra lands and has a rich history of working alongside local Aboriginal communities and our district’s Aboriginal Health Unit. We are a district that is committed to supporting you grow and develop your skills.
The CPCS sits within the broader Integrated Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect (IPARAVAN) team and is a trauma-specific service responding to violence, abuse and neglect involving children and young people. The CPCS’ overarching purpose is to work towards the recovery and ongoing safety and wellbeing of children and young people involved in the child protection system. The CPCS are primarily an outreach or home visiting based service and provide individual, couple, and family counselling. They also provide therapy sessions to children and young people, after clinical assessment. The type of sessions facilitated depends on the needs of the family. Groupwork is also provided to clients of the service. The client work is medium to long term in duration.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an innovative team. You will have the chance to influence and shape the way the team works to deliver integrated trauma-informed care and reflective practice.
If you have any of the following skills, this role may be for you:
- Passionate about engaging with vulnerable families who are involved in the child protection system
- Dedicated to supporting and nurturing the practice and skills of professionals to deliver culturally responsive service to families within the SWSLHD
- Exceptional communication skills
- Excellent skills in time management and the capacity to manage a high volume of work pertaining to complex child protection matters
- Confident in people management and Human Resource responsibilities
- Enthusiastic about developing your leadership skills within an Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN) setting
What You'll be Doing
The position is responsible for improving the emotional, social and mental wellbeing of children, young people, parents/carers and their families where there has been a confirmed history violence and neglect by providing specialist counselling and interventions. This response includes:
· Trauma informed interventions and responses,
· Case coordination that includes intake, assessment, case planning and referral functions,
· Client focused advocacy and liaison,A genuine child-centred, family focused approach, collaborating across services to ensure clients receive the service they need, when they need it.
This position is to ensure the provision of optimal health outcomes consistent with SWSLHD policies and procedures, standards, relevant legislation, and the NSW Health Code of Conduct. The position will also participate in professional development, clinical supervision, teaching, quality activities and other relevant departmental and administrative duties.
Staying Safe in Community (PARVAN) Directorate staff work within a trauma informed framework with an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma on children, young people and their families. The position will ensure that services are provided in a manner that is welcoming, safe and appropriate for all, including individuals, families and communities who have experienced trauma. By adopting a trauma-informed and family sensitive approach, health services can play a key part in identifying and meeting the needs of children, young people, individuals, families and communities who are vulnerable.
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.
- A Social Work degree which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) or Registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Completion of four-year sequence of accredited undergraduate study in the discipline of psychology (or equivalent completed overseas).
- Demonstrated experience prioritising work and managing stressful situations.
- Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a small team and build partnerships with local agencies.
- Demonstrated high level of communication skills (written and verbal) and demonstrated computer skills.
- Evidence of commitment to clinical supervision and professional learning.
- Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to quality processes, and the application of evidenced based practice within counselling.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in providing counselling, groupwork and/or casework to adults, children, young people and/or families, including working with adults in relation to parenting issues.
- Demonstrated knowledge of child protection issues.
- 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. Ability and willingness to travel for work purposes, including providing outreach and home-visiting services.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
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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.
To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.
At South Western Sydney Local Health District we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, where we don’t just accept differences but we honour and support it. Committed to providing a working environment that thrives and values diversity, we encourage people of ⚫️ 🟡 🔴 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ⚫️ 🟡 🔴 background, people with a disability and people from the LGBTQI+ community to apply.
SWSLHD is committed to driving a child safe culture that upholds children and young people’s rights. We strive to ensure children and young people feel safe, supported and included in their care. Existing staff of SWSLHD and those seeking employment are required to take the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people seriously while taking action to keep them safe from harm and abuse.
