Grow your mental health career with a supportive multidisciplinary team.
Remuneration: $81,748 - $144,021 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives
Location: Forster Community Health Service
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time – Until July 2027
Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2, Registered Nurse, Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Counsellor Level 3, Occupational Therapist Level 3, Social Worker Level 3, Dietitian Level 3
Requisition ID: REQ685422
Applications Close: Monday 24th August 2026
About the role
As a Mental Health Clinician, you will provide specialist mental health assessment, care coordination and evidence-based interventions to adults experiencing mental illness, working closely with consumers, families and carers to support recovery and improve long-term outcomes.
This role has a strong focus on delivering culturally safe, inclusive and responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, while also supporting the broader community. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will coordinate care, undertake comprehensive mental health assessments, develop recovery-focused care plans, and collaborate with internal and external services to ensure seamless, person-centred care.
You'll be supported by experienced Community Team Managers, the Clinical Coordinator, Service Manager and your Head of Discipline, with access to regular clinical supervision, multidisciplinary collaboration and ongoing professional development through online, virtual and face-to-face learning opportunities.
Where you'll be working
Join the Hunter Valley Lower Mid North Coast Mental Health Service, a dedicated community mental health team delivering recovery-oriented care across a diverse and welcoming region.
The service provides timely assessment, treatment and ongoing support for adults living with mental illness, helping consumers transition successfully between hospital and community settings. Working collaboratively with families, carers, primary care providers and community organisations, the team delivers holistic care that includes medication monitoring, psychoeducation, relapse prevention and coordinated access to local health and support services.
You'll become part of a supportive multidisciplinary team committed to improving mental health outcomes and empowering consumers throughout their recovery journey.
About you
You are a compassionate and motivated mental health professional who enjoys working collaboratively to deliver high-quality, recovery-focused care. You value culturally responsive practice and are committed to building strong therapeutic relationships with consumers, families, carers and community partners.
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
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Experience delivering contemporary mental health care, including comprehensive assessment, care coordination, shared care and recovery-oriented practice.
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An understanding of trauma-informed care and the ability to apply these principles when supporting consumers and their families or carers.
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A commitment to providing culturally safe and inclusive care, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Well-developed communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to establish strong therapeutic and professional relationships.
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The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team while contributing positively to consumer, family and carer outcomes.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a welcoming and experienced team where you'll receive strong clinical support, ongoing professional development and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with mental illness.
Requirements:
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Must hold a qualification in one of the following: Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Counsellor (Degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental Health, Djirruwang Program) which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association / provisional or general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
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Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness to travel for work purposes which may involve driving long distances.
What we offer
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:
Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*
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ADO's each month (for full time employees)
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Salary packaging options
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Fitness Passport
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
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Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals
Additional Information:
- Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. If your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact [email protected].
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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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An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
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Job share / part time arrangements will be considered.
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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.
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Demonstrated ability to support Aboriginal people and their families to ensure an understanding of clinical interventions and service delivery processes that enable culturally informed decisions.
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Comprehensive clinical experience and knowledge in relation to mental illness, assessment and care planning including working knowledge of the NSW Mental Health Act and contemporary principles and practices in mental health care
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Demonstrated high level recovery focused written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences for people with mental health concerns and their parents/guardians and families.
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.
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