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

Remuneration: $149,408.12 - $152,392.73 + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2
Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week 
Requisition ID: REQ698120 
Location: Taree Community Health Service
Application close date: Sunday 11th of October 2026 
 

Make a Difference. Build Your Expertise. Grow Your Career.
 

Are you a Registered Nurse with an interest in Drug & Alcohol nursing and ready to take the next step in your specialist career?
Join our Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services team in Taree and be part of a supportive service helping people navigate treatment, recovery and positive change.

This is a rewarding opportunity to develop your specialist skills while building meaningful relationships with clients and making a genuine difference to their health and wellbeing.
You’ll work alongside experienced clinicians in a collaborative environment, with the opportunity to mentor others, contribute your clinical expertise and help shape the future of Drug & Alcohol services.
 

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Grow Your Career – Develop your specialist skills and progress within Drug & Alcohol nursing.
• Make a Difference – Support people through treatment, recovery and positive change.
• Be Supported – Work alongside experienced clinicians and strong clinical leadership.
• Share Your Expertise – Mentor colleagues and contribute to improving clinical practice.
• Keep Learning – Access professional development, education and specialty training.
• Meaningful Work, Great Location – Enjoy a rewarding career while experiencing the relaxed lifestyle of the NSW Mid North Coast.
   

About the Role

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2, you’ll provide high-quality, evidence-based care to clients accessing Drug & Alcohol services across inpatient and outpatient settings.

You will:

• Provide comprehensive assessment, care planning and clinical interventions.
• Support clients through prevention, treatment, recovery and relapse prevention.
• Build strong therapeutic relationships with people experiencing complex needs.
• Work closely with CNCs, Medical Officers, Aboriginal Health Workers and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Mentor and support colleagues while contributing specialist clinical knowledge.
• Contribute to quality improvement and the ongoing development of Drug & Alcohol services.
   

About You

We’re looking for a compassionate, confident and motivated Registered Nurse who is passionate about specialist care and supporting people to achieve positive change.

You’ll bring:

• Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team.
• A commitment to person-centred, evidence-based care.
• A genuine interest in Drug & Alcohol nursing and supporting clients with complex needs.
   

About Taree

Located on the beautiful NSW Mid North Coast, Taree offers a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by beaches, rivers, national parks and stunning natural scenery.
Enjoy the Manning River, nearby beaches, local cafés and markets, while being part of a welcoming regional community. Taree provides the opportunity to build your career in healthcare while enjoying a more relaxed pace of life outside of work.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

The Perks

✅ 6 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
✅ Monthly Allocated Days Off for full-time employees
✅ Paid parental leave for eligible 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 for staff and family members
✅ Professional development and specialty education opportunities
✅ Supportive clinical leadership and multidisciplinary team

If you’re ready to grow your Drug & Alcohol expertise, support people through meaningful change and build a rewarding specialist nursing career, we’d love to hear from you.

Need more information? 
Click here for the Position Description 
Find out more about applying for this position. For role related queries or questions contact William Robertson on Bill.Robertson@health.nsw.gov.au

• 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.   

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 permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies. 
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