Clinical Nurse Specialist - Out of Home Care - Health Pathways
🔍 New England / North West
Lead meaningful, trauma informed care for children and young people across the Hunter New England region.
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time (Until June 2028)
Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2
Remuneration: $58.83 - $60.76 + 12.5% Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ619807
Location: Location Negotiable across Hunter New England Local Health District
Closing: Sunday, 7th December 2025
About the Role
As a Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 in Out-of-Home Care Health Pathways, you will play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people living in care. You’ll work closely with carers, caseworkers, and multidisciplinary partners to deliver holistic, trauma-informed health assessments and comprehensive care planning.
Your work will take you across the Hunter New England Local Health District, giving you the opportunity to engage with diverse communities, build strong networks, and advocate for vulnerable young people who rely on your clinical expertise and compassion. A typical week may include completing health assessments, coordinating care plans, collaborating with caseworkers, providing health education, and supporting children and young people to understand and participate in their own wellbeing.
You’ll also provide practical, strengths-based health education to children, young people, and their carers—empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to thrive.
Strong support is built into the role. You’ll work alongside another CNS, a Paediatrician, Allied Health clinicians, Case Management colleagues, and dedicated Administration staff, ensuring you are well supported professionally and clinically.
About Us
This role sits within a district-wide, passionate multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving health outcomes for children and young people in out-of-home care. We specialise in development and health assessments, liaison, and care planning tailored to the unique needs of this vulnerable group.
Our team culture is supportive, collaborative, and deeply committed to trauma-informed, child- and family-centred practice. We value open communication, shared learning, and strong professional relationships that help us achieve the best possible outcomes.
About the Location
As a district role, your base location is flexible and can be negotiated depending on local vacancies and service needs. Whether situated in a regional centre or a rural town, you’ll have access to professional networks, diverse communities, and opportunities to travel across the Hunter New England region as part of your work.
About You
You are a skilled, compassionate nurse with significant experience working with children, young people, and families. You bring a holistic, trauma-informed approach to care and have the confidence to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a broader multidisciplinary team.
You communicate clearly, build strong therapeutic relationships, and advocate fiercely for vulnerable children and young people. You enjoy working in varied environments, value partnership with carers and caseworkers, and can travel across the district when required.
To thrive in this role, you will have:
- Registration as a Division 1 Registered Nurse with AHPRA
- Post-registration qualifications plus at least three years of relevant clinical experience with children and young people
- A valid NSW driver’s licence and willingness to travel
- Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to collaborative, trauma-informed practice
Your clinical expertise, empathy, and professionalism will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people you support.
Benefits
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
✅Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
✅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
Requirements:
- Current Registered Nurse Division 1 with AHPRA.
- Post-registration qualifications with a minimum of 3 years post registration experience relevant to performing the role of a CNS for children and young people in out of home care e.g. Child &Family Health and / or Paediatrics and / or Adolescent Nursing or equivalent.
- Eligible to drive in NSW and willingness to travel for work purposes which may include long distances across the LHD.
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.
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 to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
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 Marion Pratley on Marion.Pratley@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.
An eligibility list will be created for future temporary part time vacancies.
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.
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.
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