Make a real impact where it matters most - support communities to recover, rebuild, and thrive after disaster.
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until June 2027
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 4
Remuneration: $63.81 - $65.35 per hour + super
Location: Taree Community Health Service
Hours Per Week: 32
Requisition ID: REQ644739
Applications Close: Thursday, 9th April 2026
Join the Hunter New England Mental Health Disaster Recovery Program and play a vital role supporting individuals and communities recovering from natural disasters. This is meaningful, purpose-driven work where you'll see the impact of your care every day.
Where You'll Be Working
You'll be based at Taree Community Health Service or within the Manning catchment, working across communities impacted by natural disasters, including rural and remote areas.
Taree Community Health offers a welcoming, multidisciplinary environment where mental health, community health, and allied health professionals collaborate closely. You'll have access to shared clinical spaces, telehealth resources, meeting rooms, and strong administrative support.
You'll also work beyond the clinic, connecting with communities in recovery centres, community halls, GP practices, and outreach settings.
About Our Team
You'll be part of a small, dedicated team of Disaster Recovery Clinicians who are:
Warm and inclusive – we genuinely support each other in emotionally demanding workFlexible and trusting – you'll have autonomy in how you manage your workSolution-focused – we collaborate, debrief, and problem-solve together
Our work is trauma-informed, community-driven, and built on strong partnerships with local services, councils, and recovery networks.
About The Role
No two days are the same in this dynamic and rewarding role. Your week may include:
Delivering psychosocial assessments, brief interventions, and trauma-informed counsellingProviding outreach support in community and rural settingsCollaborating with health services, NGOs, emergency services, and recovery partnersParticipating in case reviews, team meetings, and clinical supervisionAdvocating for clients needing housing, financial, or social supports
Why You'll Love This Role
Meaningful work with visible impact in disaster-affected communitiesA high level of autonomy, backed by strong team supportOpportunities to build specialist skills in disaster recovery and trauma careWork across diverse communities in a unique and rewarding setting
About You
You are a compassionate, capable clinician who thrives in community-based work.
Strong clinical assessment and intervention skillsExperience in mental health, trauma, crisis, or community settingsAbility to work independently and manage complex client needsExcellent communication and relationship-building skillsEmotional resilience and adaptabilityCultural awareness and a community-minded approachConfidence working collaboratively across services
Support & Development
You'll be well supported through:
A structured orientation to the district and disaster recovery programsRegular clinical supervision (individual and group)Peer support, mentoring, and informal debriefingOngoing professional development in trauma, mental health, and wellbeingAccess to district-wide and state-wide recovery networks
Requirements
Must hold as a minimum a Bachelor Degree in Social Work which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer.Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness to travel 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:
Supportive team culture with regular check-ins and celebrationsOpportunities to participate in staff wellbeing and engagement activitiesClear pathways for career progression and developmentOptions for additional shifts or surge work during peak periodsSustainable Healthcare: Together towards zeroProximity to shopping and other services4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasingFitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your familyEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
Additional Information
An eligibility list will be created for future temporary part time vacancies.To be eligible for 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.
Need more information?
Click here for the Position Description Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Joshua Louis 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: 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.
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 for confidential support.