Be the calm in the chaos - join a team that's transforming mental health care, one call at a time.
Remuneration: $74,317.93 - $138,482 per annum (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging.
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time - Until January 2027.
Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor Level 3, Occupational Therapist Level 3, Social Worker Level 3, Registered Nurse.
Location: Newcastle Community Health Service.
Hours Per Week: 38.
Requisition ID: REQ648698.
Applications Close: Monday 13th April 2026.
"I'm proud to lead a team where clinicians genuinely support each other, morale is strong, and workload is shared fairly. We offer flexible hours to support work-life balance - it's a great place to grow and thrive." – Madi, Team Manager, HNE Mental Health Intake Services
This is a Level 3 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 3 applicants, applications from Level 1 and 2 will be considered. The selection criteria reflects the requirements for a Level 3 applicant. Responses from Level 1 or 2 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to the same criteria and their ability to work towards Level 3. The expected performance of the incumbent will be commensurate with his/her years of experience and current level at commencement of appointment. The incumbent will work towards meeting the criteria for Level 3.
Where You'll Be Working
Become part of the Mental Health Intake Services Team at James Fletcher Hospital, based in the Thwaites Building - a centre for innovation in mental health. You'll thrive in a collaborative, passionate environment, working alongside like-minded professionals committed to making a real difference. We offer a supportive, team-focused culture with a strong emphasis on learning, growth, and development - so you can build a meaningful career while helping to shape the future of mental health care.
About The Role
Step into a pivotal frontline role where your calm voice, clinical expertise, and quick thinking make an immediate impact. As the first point of contact for people navigating mental health concerns, you will:
* Lead mental health triage and assessments, ensuring timely, person-centred care coordination.
* Deliver telehealth assessments for rural emergency departments via the Northern Mental Health Emergency Care – Rural Access Program (NMHEC – RAP).
* Be part of our First Responder Program, supporting police and ambulance services with community mental health triage in real-time through telehealth.
* Manage and process incoming referrals across the entire Hunter New England Mental Health service.
To ensure your success, we'll provide comprehensive orientation and continuous training, helping you thrive in this dynamic and rewarding role.
About You
* Brings strong clinical skills in mental health triage and assessment.
* Can stay calm under pressure, juggle priorities, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
* Works seamlessly within a multidisciplinary team, always keeping the person at the centre of care.
* Is enthusiastic about improving access to quality mental health services, especially in rural and remote communities.
Desirable
Experience in mental health services.
Requirements
Must hold a qualification: Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Counsellor (Degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental health, Djirruwang Program) which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association / provisional or general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
What We Can Offer You
* 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) - 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
* 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 full or part time vacancies. We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position. This position is full time; however, part time arrangements will be considered (minimum 16 hours per week).
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