Overview
Join a passionate team dedicated to recovery, resilience, and better health outcomes across the Hunter region. Employment Type: Permanent Part Time. Position Classifications include Counsellor Lvl 1/2, Psychologist, Registered Nurse, and Social Worker Level 1/2. Remuneration: $37.48 - $60.86 per hour (dependent on qualifications) + super + salary packaging. Hours Per Week: 8. Location: James Fletcher Hospital, Newcastle. Applications Close: Tuesday, 17 March 2026. Join the Hunter Drug and Alcohol Counselling Team at James Fletcher Hospital Campus and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across the Newcastle community. This role offers the opportunity to provide face-to-face support to clients while working within a supportive, multidisciplinary healthcare team in a dynamic clinical environment.
Responsibilities
* Conducting comprehensive client assessments and developing care and management plans to support positive outcomes within appropriate timeframes.
* Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to make informed case decisions guided by evidence-based practice.
* Managing and prioritising workloads effectively in a fast-paced environment where competing demands may arise.
* Providing face-to-face counselling and support to clients across the Newcastle area.
* Participating in monthly clinical supervision and engaging in ongoing professional development opportunities through internal DACS training.
Support and Development
* Guidance from your Line Manager and Clinical Lead
* Access to the Drug & Alcohol Allied Health Lead for clinical support
* Orientation on commencement
* Regular clinical supervision
* Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development
About You
* Demonstrates strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
* Is adaptable and able to work effectively in a complex and evolving clinical environment
* Works collaboratively and contributes positively within a multidisciplinary team setting
* Is committed to delivering client-centred care and achieving positive outcomes for the community
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. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:
* Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
* 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
Requirements
* Must hold a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Counselling, or another qualification deemed equivalent by the employer, providing eligibility for membership with the relevant professional association and full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), where applicable.
* Must hold a current driver's licence valid in NSW and demonstrate the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes, which may involve driving long distances.
Additional Information
* An eligibility list will be created for future permanent and temporary part time vacancies.
* To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered 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.
* 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.
Need more information?
* Click here for the Position Description
* Find out more about applying for this position
Contact for role related queries
Contact Kellie Collinson at Kellie.Collinson@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
Additional Resources
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: Salary packaging may increase your take-home pay. For details, contact SalaryPackagingPLUS at nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.
Hunter New England Local Health District is an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. Contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support.
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. Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn. #HNEDACS
#J-18808-Ljbffr