Mental Health Clinician - North West Mental Health Service - Incentives Offered

Join a fantastic, close knit Adult Community Team as our newest Mental Health Clinician - enjoy the benefits of a rural lifestyle whilst being rewarded with connection to community.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Counsellor Level 1/2, Dietitian Level 1/2, Occupational Therapist Level 1/2, Social Worker Level 1/2, Registered Nurse
Remuneration: $79,419- $159,112 Per Annum (Dependent on Qualifications) + Superannuation + Salary Packaging + Rural Incentives
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ681186
Location: Narrabri Community Hospital
Applications Close: Thursday, 6th August 2026.

Where You’ll Be Working

Make a real impact while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of rural living. Based in the welcoming community of Narrabri, you’ll be part of the Northwest team within the New England North West Mental Health Service, delivering high-quality mental health care across the region. You’ll join a supportive multidisciplinary team of clinicians, medical staff and allied health professionals who are committed to providing recovery-oriented, person-centred care. Collaboration sits at the heart of the service, with strong clinical leadership and a culture that encourages professional development, innovation and continuous improvement.

Narrabri is a vibrant regional town that offers a high quality of life, a welcoming community, and the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of north-west New South Wales while pursuing meaningful employment. From the scenic Mount Kaputar National Park, the Piliga Artisan baths to the crystal clear Narrabri Lake, Narrabri is a true Nature Lovers' delight. 

Relocating? We've Got You Covered

The Opportunity

As a Mental Health Clinician within the Adult Community Team, you’ll work alongside consumers experiencing a range of mental health challenges to provide assessment, care coordination and evidence-based interventions.

You’ll partner with consumers, families and carers to develop collaborative care plans that support recovery, independence and wellbeing in the community. The role also involves working closely with local services, GPs and community organisations to ensure coordinated, holistic care.

You’ll be supported by experienced leadership including a Community Manager and Clinical Coordinator, with access to clinical supervision, ongoing professional development and district-wide professional networks to help you continue building your expertise.

Don't take our word for it - what our staff have to say:

What makes mental health such a rewarding career for you?

In mental health I get to develop genuine and meaningful connections with people every day. Sitting with people’s experiences and being a part of supporting them to navigate is a real privilege.

What’s unique about working as a mental health clinician in Narrabri and/or New England Northwest?

You get to be part of providing a service to areas that may otherwise go without access to mental health supports. And more broadly you get to experience small rural communities and outlying villages and all that comes with them – the friendly people, beautiful landscapes, community events.

How does your team make a difference in people’s lives every day?

Our team makes a difference in people’s lives by being there through the tougher times and holding the hope.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in mental health?

Therapeutic connection is the most important tool you have – building a safe, trusting and respectful relationship is really powerful.

What do you love most about your team/workplace/community?

I love getting to work with a team of clinicians and draw on their knowledge and support to provide the best service I can to the people accessing our service.

About You
You’re a compassionate and motivated clinician who is committed to supporting people on their recovery journey.

You bring strong assessment and communication skills, a collaborative approach to working within multidisciplinary teams, and a genuine ability to build trusting therapeutic relationships. You are comfortable managing a caseload while delivering high-quality, consumer-focused care and working alongside community partners to achieve the best outcomes for consumers and their families.

Most importantly, you’re passionate about helping people build resilience, maintain independence and live meaningful lives within their communities.

Requirements

1. Must hold a qualification in one of the following: Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Counsellor (Degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental Health, Djirruwang Program), Nutrition, and Dietetics which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association / provisional or general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
2. Eligibility to drive in NSW and interstate and the willingness to travel in the course of employment.

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:

• “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.*”

• Relocating? The Welcome Experience offers free support to help you and your family settle into your new community.
• 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)
• 6 weeks annual leave (for eligible full time nurses)
• 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
   

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 HNELHD-RuralIncentives@health.nsw.gov.au.

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part-time vacancies.

• 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.

How to apply

Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

1. Knowledge and or experience in relation to mental illness, assessment, and care planning including working knowledge of the NSW Mental Health Act 2007 and contemporary principles and practices in mental health care
2. Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment to achieve optimal outcomes for consumers and their families/carers
3. Sound knowledge and experience in rural and/or community mental health practice

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 Anna Richards on anna.richards@health.nsw.gov.au

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.

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