Disaster Recovery Clinician

Make a real impact where it matters most - support communities to recover, rebuild, and thrive after disaster.

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until June 2027
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 4
Remuneration: $63.81 - $65.35 per hour + super
Location: Taree Community Health Service
Hours Per Week: 32
Requisition ID: REQ644739
Applications Close: Thursday, 9th April 2026


Join the Hunter New England Mental Health Disaster Recovery Program and play a vital role supporting individuals and communities recovering from natural disasters. This is meaningful, purpose-driven work where you’ll see the impact of your care every day.

Where you'll be working:
You’ll be based at Taree Community Health Service or within the Manning catchment, working across communities impacted by natural disasters, including rural and remote areas.

Taree Community Health offers a welcoming, multidisciplinary environment where mental health, community health, and allied health professionals collaborate closely. You’ll have access to shared clinical spaces, telehealth resources, meeting rooms, and strong administrative support.

You’ll also work beyond the clinic, connecting with communities in recovery centres, community halls, GP practices, and outreach settings.

About our team:
You’ll be part of a small, dedicated team of Disaster Recovery Clinicians who are:

• Warm and inclusive – we genuinely support each other in emotionally demanding work
• Flexible and trusting – you’ll have autonomy in how you manage your work
• Solution-focused – we collaborate, debrief, and problem-solve together

Our work is trauma-informed, community-driven, and built on strong partnerships with local services, councils, and recovery networks.

About the role:
No two days are the same in this dynamic and rewarding role. Your week may include:

• Delivering psychosocial assessments, brief interventions, and trauma-informed counselling
• Providing outreach support in community and rural settings
• Collaborating with health services, NGOs, emergency services, and recovery partners
• Participating in case reviews, team meetings, and clinical supervision
• Advocating for clients needing housing, financial, or social supports

Why you'll love this role:

• Meaningful work with visible impact in disaster-affected communities
• A high level of autonomy, backed by strong team support
• Opportunities to build specialist skills in disaster recovery and trauma care
• Work across diverse communities in a unique and rewarding setting

About you:
You are a compassionate, capable clinician who thrives in community-based work.

• Strong clinical assessment and intervention skills
• Experience in mental health, trauma, crisis, or community settings
• Ability to work independently and manage complex client needs
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Emotional resilience and adaptability
• Cultural awareness and a community-minded approach
• Confidence working collaboratively across services

Support & development:
You’ll be well supported through:

• A structured orientation to the district and disaster recovery programs
• Regular clinical supervision (individual and group)
• Peer support, mentoring, and informal debriefing
• Ongoing professional development in trauma, mental health, and wellbeing
• Access to district-wide and state-wide recovery networks

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
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• 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

 

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.