Registered Nurse - Transition to Clinical Nurse Specialist - Drug & Alcohol Services

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (Until June 2026) 
Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2
Remuneration: $58.83 - $60.76 Per Annum + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ641589
Location: Taree Community Health Service
Applications Close: Sunday, 22nd 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.   

Take Your Nursing Career to the Next Level – Drug & Alcohol Clinical Specialist

Are you a Registered Nurse ready to specialise and make a real difference in people’s lives? Step into the role of Registered Nurse - Transition to Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 - Drug & Alcohol Services, and use your skills to provide expert care for clients navigating the challenges of substance use, treatment, and recovery.

This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to inspire hope, guide recovery, and make a tangible impact in your community. You’ll provide compassionate, individualised care across inpatient wards and outpatient clinics, while mentoring colleagues and shaping the future of Drug & Alcohol services.
 

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Work in a welcoming, high-performing team with strong leadership from your Nurse Unit Manager (NUM), Health Service Manager (HSM), and District Manager
• Enjoy ongoing professional development and specialty training to expand your expertise in Drug & Alcohol clinical care
• Make a real difference daily, helping clients take their first steps toward recovery and achieving positive, lasting health outcomes
   

What You’ll Do:

• Deliver high-quality, evidence-based, individualised care within Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services
• Support prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery for clients experiencing substance use challenges
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNCs), Medical Officers, and Aboriginal Health Workers
• Act as a mentor and role model, sharing your knowledge to strengthen the team and guide junior staff
• Contribute to service improvement, care planning, and innovative approaches in the Drug & Alcohol specialty
   

About You:

You are a compassionate, skilled, and approachable Registered Nurse who thrives in a specialist clinical environment. You demonstrate:

• Confidence in autonomous decision-making and guiding others’ practice
• Strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, individualised care for people with complex needs
   

The Perks
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 

• 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 

Essential Requirements:

• Current Registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Registered Nurse
• Post-registration qualifications relevant to Drug & Alcohol nursing, with at least 3 years’ post-registration experience in Drug & Alcohol clinical services
• Eligible to drive in NSW and willingness to travel for work purposes

Why This Role is So Rewarding:

Working in Drug & Alcohol Services is deeply meaningful - you’ll see the difference your care makes every day, from supporting clients’ first steps toward recovery to helping them build healthier, safer lives. This role allows you to specialise, lead, mentor, and make a lasting impact in your community.

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 William Robertson on Bill.Robertson@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.  
 

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. 

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.  

An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full and part time vacancies. 
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