Clinical Nurse Specialist (Grade 2) – Bungora Opioid Treatment Program

Looking for a way to make a real impact on our community? Be at the forefront of a dynamic workforce utilising innovative, evidence-based skills and interventions to professionally support people requesting assistance with alcohol and drug use.

$128,301.89 - $132,523.13 per annum + 12% super & salary packaging | Permanent Full-Time | Bungora (Opioid Treatment Program) | REQ696724 | Grade: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 | Applications close: 13 October 2026

Join us in shaping healthier futures. Together we can do more.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS 2) position is part of the Drug and Alcohol Clinical services, Illawarra Shoalhaven local health district, who provides expert clinical care and advice to clients with complex health care needs relating to substance misuse and abuse. The Clinical Nurse Specialist 2 is a clinical expert who, through leadership facilitates excellence in research based clinical practice, education, research and professional leadership.

This position is responsible for the provision of Drug and Alcohol consultation and liaison services across Illawarra hospitals and mental health facilities. In addition this position provides the provision of education to other health care workers and educators in the community and hospital setting in relation to the management of substances.

The CNS 2 is responsible for the provision of high level person centred, evidence-based clinical nursing care and is expected to embrace and lead a practice development philosophy in the delivery of that care.

This outcome will be achieved thorough undertaking comprehensive nursing assessments, referral, providing expert consultation and educational support to staff, patients and family. This position will undertake comprehensive drug and alcohol assessments, advice on the management of intoxication and withdrawal status, assessment and management of patients requesting to commence on opioid substitution therapies. Brief interventions including harm minimisation strategies and discharge planning.

 The CNS 2 will be responsible for evaluation and supervision in the provision of complex nursing care in the Drug and Alcohol area of practice.

The CNS 2 will demonstrate the ability to act as a professional role model, delivering a high level capacity for client advocacy and cost benefit practice while demonstrating the ability to act as a change agent, provide effective clinical leadership and the ability to practice as an autonomous professional with the capacity to work within a multidisciplinary team environment.

The CNS 2 will assist in the provision of supervision and support for less experienced clinicians and will maintain their professional accountability and development in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Board Australia’s Standards of Practice and models the CORE values.

For more information and to view the position classification, see the Position Description here.

A little about us.

The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) teamwork for the greater good through an open, flexible and dynamic, strengths-based approach. We listen to understand, not label.  We are an inclusive and committed team where staff are encouraged to bring their whole self to work and are proud that our team is as diverse as the vibrant communities we support.

Benefits of working with ISLHD.

We understand that balancing career aspirations with the demand of the everyday, as well as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, can be a challenge. To help with this, we offer a range of benefits which include:

-         Allocated Days Off (ADO) - once a month take a paid day off (eligible full-time employees)

-         Salary packaging - less tax and more take-home pay

-         Novated leasing - lease a car and pay for all running costs out of your pre-taxed salary (eligible full-time employees)

-         Fitness Passport - discounted gym membership that both you and your family can enjoy (eligible employees)

-         Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free confidential and professional assistance for staff and their families

-         Career progression, professional development and secondment opportunities

Apply now by reading the Position Description, then, using our online portal, submit a resume and answer the selection criteria within the application. In addition, please note you must have the following essential requirements:

-         Applicable vaccination requirements for a Category A  role.

-         Working With Children Check (WWCC)

-         Current AHPRA Registration

-         Relevant post-registration qualification and at least 3 years’ experience working in the clinical area of their specified post-graduate qualification, or such other qualifications or equivalent experience deemed appropriate.

-         Current unrestricted NSW driver’s license and the ability to work across various locations within the ISLHD boundaries.

ISLHD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

ISLHD 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 wellbeing of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Need more information or help applying?

-         Visit the ISLHD website for application tips, to learn more about ISLHD and other important application information.

-         Visit the Stepping Up website here. Stepping Up supports Aboriginal people to navigate the recruitment process and find a career or employment in NSW Health.

-         Visit The Welcome Experience website here. The Welcome Experience is a free service supporting essential workers (and their families) who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in regional NSW.

-         Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

-         For role-related queries or help applying, contact Linda Shaw at ​Linda.Shaw@health.nsw.gov.au

ISLHD acknowledges that our health district is located on the unceded lands of the Aboriginal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the NSW South Coast.