Job Opening: Registered Nurse – Drug & Alcohol Team
Employment Type : Permanent Part Time
Position Classification : Registered Nurse
Remuneration : $37.48 - $52.62 Per Hour + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week : 16
Location : Cessnock Community Health Service
Closing Date : Sunday, 14th December 2025
Targeted Applicants : While the position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.
About The Role
As a Registered Nurse within the Cessnock Pharmacotherapy team, you'll provide assessment, treatment, and ongoing support to individuals with opioid use disorder. You'll deliver safe, compassionate, person‑centred care in collaboration with patients, families, carers, and a multidisciplinary team.
Key responsibilities include managing clinical documentation, supporting patient education, making referrals to relevant services, supervising students or junior staff when required, and responding to changes in patient status or emergencies. You'll also work within professional boundaries, ethical frameworks, and culturally safe practices, including supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families. Orientation and ongoing support ensure you have the resources to succeed while balancing professional and personal commitments.
About Us
The Cessnock Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services (DACS) team is a vibrant, inclusive, and professional group focused on improving community health. Staff are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, and the team reflects the diversity of the community it supports.
About the Location
Cessnock is a friendly regional city in the Hunter Valley, blending country charm with convenient access to services. It's a great spot for families or anyone seeking a balanced lifestyle, with local cafes, schools, parks, and easy links to Newcastle, Sydney, and surrounding regional centres. The community is welcoming, and staff enjoy a manageable commute and a supportive local environment.
Qualifications and Experience
* Eligible to drive in NSW and ability to undertake work responsibilities outside normal work hours with a willingness to travel when required.
* Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse and demonstrated clinical competency.
* A non‑judgemental and positive attitude, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
* Interest or experience in Drug & Alcohol Nursing, including harm minimisation principles, or a willingness to learn.
* Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and with community service providers.
* Commitment to culturally safe care, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and communities.
* Professionalism, critical thinking, and patient advocacy, ensuring person‑centred care.
* Flexibility to travel and work outside normal hours if required.
Benefits
* Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero.
* Proximity to shopping and other services.
* Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full‑time employees).
* 4 weeks annual leave (pro‑rata for part‑time employees).
* Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
* 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.
Additional Information
Need more information? Click here for the Position Description. Find out more about applying for this position. For role related queries or questions contact Emma Lindsay on
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. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child‑safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people. 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. 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. Please contact for confidential support.
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.
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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