Casual Registered Nurse - Mental Health Services
If you are seeking flexibility, variety, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in mental health care, we encourage you to join our Mental Health Casual Pool.
Employment Type: Casual
Position Classification: Registered Nurse
Remuneration: $37.48 - $52.62 per hour + 12% super + Salary Packaging + Allowances
Requisition ID: REQ630843
Location: Various
Applications Close: Sunday, 15th February 2026
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.
Where you'll be working
The Mental Health Casual Pool provides flexible nursing coverage across a wide range of inpatient units and community-based mental health services throughout the Local Health District (LHD).
Our inpatient services are located at:
- Waratah
- Newcastle
- Maitland
- Morisset
- John Hunter
- Charlestown
- Taree
- Tamworth
- Armidale
In addition, community-based mental health services operate right across the LHD. Each service offers its own unique strengths, challenges, and learning opportunities. Whether you prefer to focus on a particular specialty or broaden your experience across multiple settings, you choose where and when you work.
Opportunities also exist to work within and alongside the award-winning YAMHS Wiyiliin Ta Yimamulinbinkaan Aboriginal Mental Health Service.
Casual nursing offers genuine flexibility - allowing you to fit work around your lifestyle, not the other way around. With our diversity of locations, service types, and shift options, you can tailor your work to suit your skills, interests, and availability.
About the role
As a member of the Mental Health Casual Pool, you will:
- Deliver evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centred care to people living with mental illness across various stages of their recovery journey
- Use strong communication and empathy to engage effectively with consumers, families, and carers
- Adapt your nursing practice to different settings and specialties, with care needs varying across inpatient and community environments
- Support consumers with complex medical needs, health promotion, relapse prevention, and recovery-focused care
- Access 8- or 10-hour shifts, available 7 days a week, depending on service requirements
- Choose shifts across the LHD at your discretion—work close to home or explore opportunities further afield
- Participate in community outreach roles where required, noting that some positions (particularly in rural areas) involve travel
About you
We are seeking nurses who:
- Are person-centred and value recovery-oriented mental health care
- Enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team
Are flexible and willing to work across a variety of mental health roles and settings
Mental Health nursing experience or qualifications are highly desirable, however experienced nurses from all clinical backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Support & Development
Casual nursing staff are well supported through:
- A Casual Services Manager and dedicated vacancy management team
- Comprehensive orientation and mandatory training on commencement
- Access to a wide range of additional education, training, and courses via NSW Health
- On-ward and service-level support from mentors, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Clinical Nurse Educators
- A strong commitment to supporting nurses transitioning into mental health safely, confidently, and professionally
Requirements
- Current Authority to Practice as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA
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. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- Proximity to shopping and other services
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
- Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
- Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
Additional Information
- 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.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Albert Young on Tom.Young@health.nsw.gov.au
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 nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.
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 HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support.
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