Shape the future of youth mental health from day one.
Remuneration: $113,617 - $138,482 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until June 2027
Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2, Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor Level 3, Occupational Therapist Level 3, Social Worker Level 3
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Headspace Services | 582-588 Hunter St Newcastle West 2302
Requisition ID: REQ688714
Applications Close: Sunday 6th September 2026
Are you passionate about improving mental health outcomes for young people and excited by the opportunity to help shape a brand-new service? The Youth Mental Health (YMH) Initiative offers a unique chance to be among the first clinicians delivering an innovative model of care designed to improve access to specialist mental health support for young people across Hunter New England.
About the Role
As a YMH Clinician, you will provide comprehensive mental health assessment, therapeutic intervention, care coordination, and clinical support for young people aged 12–25 years experiencing severe and complex mental health concerns. You will work closely with families, carers, and supporting persons to ensure young people receive timely, coordinated, and person-centred care.
This role is part of the newly established Youth Mental Health Initiative, which partners directly with headspace services across Hunter New England to strengthen pathways between primary and specialist mental health care. You will collaborate with headspace staff, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for young people requiring more intensive mental health support.
Why This Role is Unique
This is an exciting opportunity to join a brand-new service and play a key role in its development from the ground up. As one of the inaugural clinicians in the YMH Initiative, you will help shape clinical pathways, contribute to service development, and influence how specialist youth mental health care is delivered across the region.
You will be based at Headspace Services Newcastle while remaining connected to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) network, providing access to strong clinical governance, professional support, and development opportunities. The role offers the best of both worlds - working within a youth-friendly primary care setting while being supported by specialist mental health expertise.
You will join a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. The role involves close collaboration with headspace services, the Primary Health Network, CAMHS, and other key stakeholders to ensure integrated and coordinated support for young people and their families.
About You
We are seeking a motivated clinician with experience working in youth, child and adolescent, or mental health settings. You will have a strong interest in supporting young people with complex mental health needs and enjoy working collaboratively across services and disciplines.
You will also bring:
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Experience in mental health assessment and therapeutic intervention.
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Strong engagement and communication skills when working with young people, families, and stakeholders.
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The ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and interagency environments.
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An interest in quality improvement, service development, and contributing to the growth of an innovative new service.
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A commitment to improving access and outcomes for young people experiencing mental health challenges.
Join us in building a new model of youth mental health care and help create meaningful change for young people, families, and communities across Hunter New England.
Requirements:
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Must hold a qualification in one of the following: Occupational Therapy, Clin Psychology/Clin Psych in Training, Nursing, Social Work, Counsellor (Degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental Health, Djirruwang Program), which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
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For a CNS2: Relevant post-registration qualifications and at least 3 years’ experience working in the clinical area of their specified post-graduate qualification, or such other qualifications or equivalent experience deemed appropriate by the service. For Allied Health, a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent experience working in a relevant clinical setting.
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Eligibility to drive in NSW and interstate and the willingness to travel in the course of employment.
Additional Information:
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An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
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This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.
Hunter New England Health 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.
To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
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We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.
Significant experience and knowledge in working with children and or young people with mental health concerns and their families and supporting persons.
Demonstrated understanding of the principles of trauma informed care and its application to therapeutic interventions with children/young people and their parents/guardian and family.
Evidence of ability to build and maintain cooperative professional and therapeutic relationships with children/ young people and their parents /guardians and key stakeholders through the application of well- developed interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Need more information?
- about applying for this position
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. 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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