Lead change at the intersection of mental health and drug and alcohol care – where your expertise will make a real difference across ISLHD.

$128,301.88 - $132,523.12 per annum + 12% super & salary packaging | Various Permanent positions available | Illawarra Drug and Alcohol Service | REQ697015 | Grade: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 | Applications close: 14 October 2026

Join us in shaping healthier futures. Together we can do more.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Dual Diagnosis Program, you will work at the cutting edge of integrated mental health and drug and alcohol care within ISLHD Mental Health Facilities. Each day, you will assist consumers with complex co-occurring conditions, support advanced assessments, targeted brief interventions, harm minimisation strategies, and expert advice on intoxication, withdrawal, and opioid substitution therapies. You will be a trusted clinical leader and mentor, supporting and upskilling nursing and multidisciplinary teams through consultation, education, and shared decision-making. With a high level of professional autonomy, you will help shape service development, drive quality improvement initiatives, and advance specialist nursing practice to improve outcomes for consumers, families, and staff.

The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) team work for the greater good through an open, flexible and dynamic, strengths-based approach. We listen to understand, not label. We are an inclusive and committed team where staff are encouraged to bring their whole self to work and are proud that our team is as diverse as the vibrant communities we support.

For more information and to view the position classification, see the Position Description here.

A little about us.

The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) teamwork for the greater good through an open, flexible and dynamic, strengths-based approach. We listen to understand, not label.



We are an inclusive and committed team where staff are encouraged to bring their whole self to work and are proud that our team is as diverse as the vibrant communities we support.

Benefits of working with ISLHD.

We understand that balancing career aspirations with the demand of the everyday, as well as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, can be a challenge. To help with this, we offer a range of benefits which include:

- Allocated Days Off (ADO) - once a month take a paid day off (eligible full-time employees)

- Salary packaging - less tax and more take-home pay

- Novated leasing - lease a car and pay for all running costs out of your pre-taxed salary (eligible full-time employees)

- Fitness Passport - discounted gym membership that both you and your family can enjoy (eligible employees)

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free confidential and professional assistance for staff and their families

- Career progression, professional development and secondment opportunities

Apply now by reading the Position Description, then, using our online portal, submit a resume and answer the selection criteria within the application. In addition, please note you must have the following essential requirements:

- Applicable vaccination requirements for a Category A role.

- Working With Children Check (WWCC)

- Current authority to practice as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)





- Post-registration qualification in Drug and Alcohol and/or mental health and at least 3 years' experience working in drug & alcohol and/or mental health or such other qualifications or equivalent experience deemed appropriate.

- Current unrestricted NSW C Class driver's license and the ability to work across various locations within the ISLHD boundaries.

ISLHD is an equal prospect employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

ISLHD 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 wellbeing of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Need more information or help applying?

- Visit the ISLHD website for application tips, to learn more about ISLHD and other important application information.

- Visit the Stepping Up website here. Stepping Up supports Aboriginal people to navigate the recruitment process and find a career or employment in NSW Health.

- Visit The Welcome Experience website here. The Welcome Experience is a free service supporting essential workers (and their families) who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in regional NSW.

- Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

- For role-related queries or help applying, contact Ann Camilleri at ​*************@health.nsw.gov.au

ISLHD acknowledges that our health district is located on the unceded lands of the Aboriginal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the NSW South Coast.

📌 Clinical Nurse Specialist (Grade 2) – Dual Diagnosis Program (Wollongong)
🏢 NSW Health
📍 Wollongong