Hunter New England Local Health District
Reference number: REQ634280
Occupation: Mental Health Clinician
Work type: Part-Time
Location: Newcastle, Hunter & Region
Salary: $114,251 - $134,809
Closing date: 15 February 2026 at 11:59pm
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until February 2027
Position Classification: Health Manager Level 2
Remuneration: $114,251 – $134,809 + Superannuation
Hours Per Week: 28
Requisition ID: REQ634280
Targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.
About The Role
The District SAFE START Coordinator plays a key leadership role in embedding the NSW Health SAFE START - Supporting Families Early Policy Framework across Hunter New England Local Health District.
Working collaboratively with the District SAFE START Strategic Advisory Committee, this role provides strategic coordination, monitoring, and reporting of Sector SAFE START Advisory Committees and Multidisciplinary Case Discussion (MCD) meetings. The position also provides consultation and liaison across multiple service streams to ensure consistent, high-quality, and compliant implementation of SAFE START Program.
This role works closely with Maternity Services, Children Young People and Families Services, Mental Health Services, Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Violence Abuse and Neglect Services, and Aboriginal Services, supporting integrated, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practice for vulnerable women, infants, and families.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide high-level clinical and strategic leadership aligned with evidence-based practice, legislative requirements, and NSW Health and HNE policies
* Support Sector Advisory Committees to embed SAFE START policy requirements within Multidisciplinary Case Discussion meetings and provide feedback to the District Strategic Advisory Committee
* Drive planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of clinical and service improvements supporting vulnerable women and families
* Maintain collaborative relationships and networks to strengthen integration across health services
* Represent Hunter New England Local Health District in relevant State forums as required
* Develop, implement, and maintain local policies and protocols aligned with SAFE START strategic priorities
* Support standardisation, monitor system variation, and recommend improvements to processes and frameworks
* Participate in district-wide reviews aligned with NSW Health First 2000 Days and Integrated Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect Frameworks
* Model behaviours consistent with the HNE Health Values Charter, NSW Health Code of Conduct, and the Excellence Framework (Every Patient, Every Time)
* Ensure culturally respectful practice in line with Closing the Gap commitments
* Comply with Work Health and Safety obligations and escalat[e] risks appropriately
About You
You are a strategic, collaborative, and values-driven professional with demonstrated experience working with vulnerable women, infants, and families across complex service systems.
You Will Bring
* Tertiary qualifications in health or social sciences relevant to Maternity, Child and Family Health, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, or Violence, Abuse and Neglect services, and/or bring extensive hands‐on experience supporting vulnerable women and families
* A strong understanding of perinatal and infant mental health, particularly for families with children under two years of age
* Proven ability to navigate complex health systems and negotiate with diverse stakeholders to implement policy and service reform
* Knowledge of SAFE START strategic priorities and reform agendas
* High-level written and verbal communication skills
* Strong leadership capability and experience driving service and clinical improvement
* Demonstrated cultural capability and commitment to culturally responsive practice, particularly when supporting Aboriginal clients, families, and communities
Why Join HNELHD?
You'll be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to patient safety, professional development, and innovative service improvement. This is an opportunity to meaningfully influence the capability of clinicians and improve patient care across a large and diverse health district.
What we Offer
* Monthly Allocated Day Off (ADO) for full-time employees.
* Flexible work hours
* 4 weeks annual leave (pro‐rata for part‐time).
* Paid parental leave (for eligible employees).
* Salary packaging – up to $11,600 + novated leasing options.
* Fitness Passport – discounted gym memberships for you and your family.
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and their families
About Applying For This Position
For role related queries or questions contact Rebecca Ward on Rebecca.Morrison@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. by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.
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.
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 strongly encourage applicants who identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to apply.
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.
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