Make a real impact connecting families to the support they need
Remuneration: $30.63 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Newcastle Community Health Service
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time – January 2026 until July 2028
Position Classification: Allied Health Assistants
Hours Per Week: 20
Requisition ID: REQ608129
Applications Close: Sunday 9th November 2025
HNEkidsRehab is seeking an enthusiastic and community-minded Allied Health Assistant (AHA) to join our multidisciplinary team as a Community Linker for the EPIC-ND research project - a multisite randomised controlled trial evaluating a new social prescribing program for children with neurodisability and their families.
This groundbreaking project aims to identify unmet social needs - such as challenges with housing, transport, finances, food security, schooling and disability support services - and ensure families are connected with the right services at the right time. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research that may shape future models of care in Australia, while making a real difference in the lives of children and their parents/carers.
About the role
As the Community Linker, you will provide practical, hands-on support to families allocated to the intervention arm of the clinical trial. You will:
* Conduct intake appointments with parents/carers following project protocols
* Support families to navigate health, disability, and social care systems
* Assist with referrals, forms, service linkages, and appointment bookings
* Follow up with families at least monthly (phone, telehealth, or face-to-face) over a 6-month period
* Document all interactions in the electronic medical record and research data logs
* Escalate safety or wellbeing concerns to the site Social Worker or Principal Investigator as required
* Liaise with members of the rehabilitation team involved in the child's care
* Support unmet-needs screening and recruitment activities (as needed)
You will be part of a supportive research and clinical team with clear procedures, supervision, and resources to guide your work - including a Standards of Practice, Resource Booklet, and structured training.
Training & Support
Before commencing clinical trial duties, you will receive:
* Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification
* Adverse Event Reporting training
* Electronic medical record training
* Mandatory HETI modules (e.g., child protection, WHS, privacy)
* Specialised project training, including Common Approach, HOPE, and Accidental Counsellor training
You will be supported by the Rehabilitation Service Manager, site Social Worker, site Principal Investigator, the EPIC-ND Chief Investigator, Project Coordinator, and local Research Assistants.
About us
HNEkidsRehab, located at 621 Hunter Street, Newcastle, is a dynamic paediatric rehabilitation service supporting children with conditions such as acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. We work in partnership with families to enable children to achieve their goals and participate fully in life.
Why Join Us?
* Play a meaningful role in improving outcomes for children and their families
* Be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation team
* Receive structured supervision, training and professional development
* Contribute to research that matters
* Enjoy flexible part-time hours (20 hours across 3 days, Mon–Thurs)
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), 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
* Proximity to shopping and other services
* Salary packaging options
* Fitness Passport
* 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:
* 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.
* An eligibility list will be created for future temporary 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 Jeni White on
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:
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:
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.