Help communities recover when they need it most.
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time - Until June 2027
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 4
Remuneration: $63.81 - $65.35 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Taree Community Health Service
Hours Per Week: 32
Requisition ID: REQ671907
Applications Close: Sunday 12th July 2026
Join the Hunter New England Mental Health Disaster Recovery Program and make a lasting difference to individuals, families and communities rebuilding after natural disasters. This is meaningful, purpose-driven work where you'll see the impact of your support every day while developing specialist skills in trauma-informed mental health care.
Where you'll be working
Based at Taree Community Health Service or within the Manning catchment, you'll support communities affected by natural disasters across the region, including rural and remote areas.
Taree Community Health provides a welcoming multidisciplinary environment where mental health, community health and allied health professionals work together to deliver high-quality care. You'll have access to modern clinical spaces, telehealth facilities, administrative support and flexible outreach opportunities, delivering care in community recovery centres, GP practices, community halls and other local settings.
About our team
You'll join a small, experienced team of Disaster Recovery Clinicians who are passionate about supporting communities through recovery. We value collaboration, flexibility and mutual support, creating an environment where clinicians are trusted to work autonomously while knowing help is always available. Our practice is trauma-informed, community-led and strengthened through partnerships with local health services, councils, emergency services and community organisations.
About the role
This diverse role combines clinical care with community engagement, giving you the opportunity to work alongside people as they rebuild their lives following disaster.
You will provide psychosocial assessments, brief interventions and trauma-informed counselling, deliver outreach services across community and rural settings, collaborate with health and recovery partners, participate in clinical supervision and case reviews, and advocate for clients requiring access to housing, financial or social supports. No two days are the same, offering variety, professional challenge and the opportunity to make a genuine difference where it matters most.
You'll be supported from day one with a comprehensive orientation to the district and Disaster Recovery Program, regular individual and group clinical supervision, peer mentoring and debriefing, and ongoing professional development in trauma-informed practice, mental health and disaster recovery. You'll also have opportunities to connect with district-wide and statewide recovery networks, ensuring you're continually supported to grow your skills and career.
Why you'll love this role
You'll enjoy the opportunity to:
- Make a meaningful impact supporting disaster-affected communities.
- Work with a high level of autonomy while being backed by a supportive and experienced team.
- Develop specialist expertise in disaster recovery, trauma-informed care and community mental health.
- Build strong relationships across diverse communities and multidisciplinary services.
About you
You're a compassionate and resilient mental health clinician who enjoys working in community settings and building strong partnerships to improve outcomes for others. You bring well-developed assessment and intervention skills, experience supporting people with complex mental health or psychosocial needs, and the confidence to work both independently and collaboratively. You're adaptable, culturally responsive and committed to delivering person-centred, recovery-focused care.
Requirements:
- Must hold as a minimum a Bachelor Degree in Social Work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer.
- Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness to travel for work purposes.
What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:
- Supportive team culture with regular check-ins and celebrations
- Opportunities to participate in staff wellbeing and engagement activities
- Clear pathways for career progression and development
- Options for additional shifts or surge work during peak periods
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- 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
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Additional information:
- An eligibility list will be created for future temporary part time vacancies.
- To be eligible for 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.
How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.
- Demonstrated expertise and advanced clinical practice skills with the ability to provide an expert consultancy and clinical service for people experiencing mental health problems as a result of natural disasters.
- Demonstrated ability to foster interagency collaboration to support coordinated and integrated mental health services within a stepped care model.
Need more information?
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For role related queries or questions contact Joshua Louis 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.
