Senior Alcohol and Other Drug Clinician
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- Hunter New England Local Health District
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- REQ579190 Requisition #
Help shape recovery beyond hospital walls — use your drug and alcohol expertise to transform lives and lead change in complex mental health care.
Remuneration: $109,247 - $134,500.70 per annum + super + salary packaging
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Consultant Grade 2, Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor Level 4, Occupational Therapist Level 4, Social Worker Level 4
Location: James Fletcher Hospital, Newcastle
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ579190
Applications Close: Thursday, 17th July 2025
An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Drug and Alcohol Clinician to join the PCLI Community Transition Team in Mental Health Services. The Pathways to Community Living Initiative (PCLI) is a state-wide program focused on supporting consumers with enduring and serious mental illness who have had a long stay (>12 months) in a mental health inpatient unit to re-establish their lives in the community with appropriate supports. The PCLI program is shaping complex care and rehabilitation in mental health services across NSW.
About the role:
The position will be based at James Fletcher Hospital Campus, Newcastle. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, you will work collaboratively with inpatient and community services to provide a high quality specialist drug and alcohol service to support the transition to the community of consumers who have experienced a long stay in a mental health inpatient unit to ensure optimal outcomes. As a clinical specialist, the position will provide direct service provision to consumers, together with professional/clinical leadership and consultation to multiple stakeholders, both internal and external, across the LHD.
The role with have a focus on:
- Review of historic and current substance use issues and consideration in the transition context
- Undertaking substance use assessment where required
- Identifying risks to the transition and designing mitigating strategies
- Provision of support, coaching and consultation to the team, internal mental health stakeholders and external Community Managed Organisations (CMOs) regarding substance use issues
- Providing brief interventions, both individual and group
- Developing linkages and referral pathways across a range of community based support services.
You will be supported in the role by the Team Manager and relevant head of discipline/discipline networks. You will be provided opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge in complex mental health, to be part of a state-wide network of PCLI clinicians and to link with other PCLI Drug and Alcohol clinicians across the state. The position will continue to evolve in line with developments within PCLI at a state level.
About you:
Your success in this role will incorporate your clinical skills, experience, knowledge and understanding of substance use issues in the context of complex mental health presentation. You will bring strong communication skills for engaging with a range of stakeholders, including providing education and consultation. You will have an ability to provide a specialist drug and alcohol role within a multidisciplinary mental health team, working both collaboratively and independently to optimise the transition from hospital to the community for consumers within PCLI.
Requirements:
- Must hold a qualification in Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Counsellor (Degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental Health, Djirruwang Program) which provides eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association and/or provisional or general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and proven experience in related field or a combination of both study and experience.
- Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness to drive long distances 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:
- 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)
- 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
- Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals
Additional information:
- An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
- We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
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 Megan Turrell on Megan.Turrell@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 Rebecca.Caldwell@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
