Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2
Remuneration: $116,639.98 - $120,469.88 Per Annum + Salary Packaging + 12% Super + Rural Health Incentives
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ645512
Location: Taree | Biripi Country
Applications Close: Sunday, 15th March 2026
Are you an experienced Mental Health Professional ready to step into a pivotal leadership role? We are seeking a confident, skilled and recovery-focused Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 to join our Mental Health Intake Team as our Clinical Lead.
This is your chance to play a key role in ensuring people across our communities receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
About Us
The Hunter Valley Lower Mid North Coast Mental Health Service delivers specialist psychiatric community care to adults across Taree, Forster, Gloucester, Bulahdelah and the Hunter Valley. We provide comprehensive assessment, treatment and referral pathways for consumers and their families, including support for complex presentations such as perinatal mental health and eating disorders.
Our service is built on collaboration, responsiveness and recovery-oriented practice. We work closely with acute services, community providers and partner agencies to deliver coordinated, person-centred care that makes a genuine difference.
About The Opportunity
As the Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 Clinical Lead within the Intake Team, you will operate with a high level of clinical autonomy and leadership.
You Will
Conduct advanced mental health assessments and triageProvide expert clinical decision-making and risk assessmentEnsure timely, safe and appropriate management of referralsGuide consumers and families toward the most suitable care pathwaysWork collaboratively with multidisciplinary and partner servicesContribute to service improvement initiatives and quality outcomes
This role is central to the flow of care across the service. Your judgement, professionalism and clinical expertise will directly influence access, safety and consumer outcomes.
What You'll Bring
You are an experienced and capable Mental Health Professional who thrives in complex environments and values collaborative practice.
Nursing qualifications with relevant post-registration study and a minimum three years' clinical experience in the related specialty (or equivalent).Demonstrated ability to manage complex clinical situations within professional and ethical boundariesStrong assessment, triage and problem-solving skillsConfidence working autonomously while contributing to team-based careExperience implementing service improvements that enhance consumer outcomesAdvanced communication skills and a commitment to recovery-oriented, person-centred practice
What We Can Offer You
We are committed to supporting your success and professional growth through:
Structured onboardingOngoing education and in-service trainingRegular clinical review and reflective practiceProfessional support from the Team Manager, Clinical Coordinator and Clinical Nurse ConsultantA collaborative and values-driven team culture
Why You'll Love Working With Us
Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.* Monthly Allocated Days Off4 weeks annual leaveSalary packaging up to $11,600 + novated leasingPaid parental leave supporting true work–life balanceFitness Passport with discounted gyms for you & familyEmployee Assistance Program for you and your loved ones
Additional Information
* Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. If your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. Please note: the increased RHWIS allowance is approved until 30th June 2026. Commencement after this date may be subject to change, including the allowance amount for which the candidate may be eligible. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact 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 for confidential support.
Need more information?
Click here for the Position Description Find out more about applying for this position For role related queries or questions contact Renae Blanch 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/3vL5fq2Stepping 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.An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.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 are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
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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