Employment Type: Permanent Part Time

Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2

Remuneration: $64.70 - $66.83 per hour + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging

Hours Per Week: 24

Requisition ID: REQ704552

Location: Mater Mental Health, Newcastle

Closing Date: Sunday 22nd November 2026

About The Opportunity

Join the Mental Health and Substance Use Service (MHSUS), providing specialist support to adults experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

MHSUS delivers comprehensive assessments, centre-based programs, consultation and care coordination through an evidence-based model of care grounded in integrated treatment, stages of change and motivational interviewing. Working within a community-based model, you'll support consumers through group facilitation, psychoeducation, relapse prevention, clinical reviews and collaboration with other support services.

This is an excellent opportunity to further develop your clinical expertise and leadership skills within a specialist area. You'll be supported by the Service Manager, Staff Specialist and experienced senior clinicians, with a structured orientation to the MHSUS model of care and access to relevant career development, including individual and group supervision.

What you will be doing

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 with MHSUS, you'll provide specialist nursing care to consumers with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, supporting their recovery through integrated and person-centred treatment.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

- Conducting comprehensive mental health and substance use assessments, including in-reach assessments to Mental Health Centre inpatient units.
- Providing care coordination and ongoing clinical reviews to support consumers' recovery goals.
- Facilitating therapeutic group programs, psychoeducation and relapse prevention interventions.
- Applying evidence-based approaches, including motivational interviewing and stages of change, to engage and support consumers.
- Providing clinical consultation and advice to colleagues and other service providers.
- Demonstrating clinical leadership and supporting the development of effective clinical practice.
- Contributing to education, clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives.

About You We are looking for an experienced and motivated Registered Nurse with a strong interest in mental health and substance use care, who can bring sound clinical judgement, initiative and a collaborative approach to the team. To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Have





- Current Authority to Practice as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
- Relevant post-registration qualifications and at least three years' experience working in the clinical area of your specified postgraduate qualification, or other qualifications or equivalent experience deemed appropriate by the public hospital or public health organisation.

- Demonstrated experience in mental health nursing, ideally with an understanding of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
- Well-developed assessment, care coordination and clinical decision-making skills.
- The ability to engage consumers using a recovery-oriented, person-centred and evidence-based approach.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and external services.
- A commitment to clinical leadership, ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.

What We Can Offer You ✅ Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development

✅ Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero

✅ 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

Additional Information To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.

We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time vacancies.

Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-protected 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.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact [email protected] for confidential support.

Need more information?

- Click here for the Position Description
- Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Racheal Byers on [email protected]

Information For Applicants

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay!

Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via [email protected] or 1300 40 25 23.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

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📌 Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 - Mental Health & Substance Use Service (Maitland)
🏢 Hunter New England Local Health District
📍 Maitland