Occupation & Employer
Dietitian – Hunter New England Local Health District
Reference & Position Details
* Requisition ID: REQ644796
* Position Classification: Dietitian Level 3
* Work Type: Temporary Part Time until February 2027
* Hours Per Week: 24
* Location: John Hunter Hospital (New Lambton Heights, Newcastle)
* Closing Date: 09 April 2026 at 11:59pm
* Salary Information: $58.95 - $60.86 per hour + super; annual equivalent $116,892 – $120,680
Overview
Make a real difference in young lives by joining a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health inpatient team. Provide life‐changing nutritional care in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.
Where You'll Be Working
Nexus is a specialised Child and Adolescent Mental Health inpatient unit providing acute care for young people with complex mental health needs across the Hunter New England region. The unit is within the John Hunter Hospital campus and sits in a large tertiary health precinct alongside the John Hunter Children's Hospital.
The dietitian works as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting presentations including eating disorders, mood and trauma‐related conditions, and broader psychosocial complexity. The service is recovery‐oriented, trauma‐informed, and strongly connected to both internal teams and external partners to support safe and effective care transitions.
About The Role
The dietitian at Nexus provides specialist nutritional assessment and intervention for young people admitted to the unit, with a strong focus on eating disorders and the physical health impacts of mental illness. Day‐to‐day work includes:
* Completing comprehensive assessments
* Developing and reviewing nutrition care plans
* Monitoring nutritional status and risk
* Supporting meal planning and mealtime interventions
* Contributing to multidisciplinary care planning
* Providing education and guidance to staff and families
* Supporting safe refeeding practices
* Assisting with discharge planning to ensure continuity of care with community services
The role serves both the Nexus inpatient unit and also provides in‐reach into the John Hunter Children's Hospital. Hours are typically standard business hours, Monday to Friday, with minimal travel.
About You
We are looking for someone who brings strong clinical capability alongside a calm, thoughtful and collaborative approach. A successful candidate will:
* Build rapport with young people and families
* Work confidently within a multidisciplinary team
* Communicate clearly across disciplines
* Demonstrate sound clinical reasoning, particularly in the management of eating disorders and complex presentations
* Be comfortable working in a dynamic inpatient environment
* Show flexibility, initiative and a genuine passion for working with children and adolescents
* Have an interest in recovery‐oriented, trauma‐informed care and a positive contribution to team culture
We seek a dietitian with relevant qualifications and eligibility for professional registration. Experience in paediatrics, mental health, or eating disorders will be highly regarded. Key strengths include:
* Sound risk awareness
* Ability to support refeeding and nutritional rehabilitation
* Confidence in providing consultation and education to staff and families
How You'll Be Supported
The dietitian is well supported within a multidisciplinary team that values open communication, shared decision‐making, and mutual respect. Day‐to‐day support comes from experienced nursing, medical, and allied health staff, as well as senior clinical leaders.
There is a strong culture of checking in, debriefing, and working through complex cases together. The service encourages open and honest communication, with regular opportunities to contribute ideas and raise concerns. A structured orientation is provided, including local processes, clinical pathways, and introductions to key stakeholders, with ongoing access to education, supervision, and support.
There are strong opportunities for professional growth, including access to training, involvement in service development, QI projects, and opportunities to build expertise in areas such as eating disorders and adolescent mental health. While the role is primarily structured within standard hours, there may be opportunities to contribute additional hours or projects depending on service needs.
Requirements
* Must hold a bachelor or post‐graduate degree in nutrition and dietetics that provides eligibility for full membership of the Dietitians Australia (DA), or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer.
* Eligible to drive in NSW.
What We Can Offer You
* Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
* Proximity to shopping and other services
* 4 weeks annual leave (pro‐rata for part‐time 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
* An eligibility list will be created for future temporary part‐time vacancies.
* To be eligible for employment you must be an Australian citizen, 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; in such a case 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.
* 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 reflect the requirements for a Level 3 applicant. Responses from Level 1 or 2 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to these criteria and their ability to work towards Level 3. The incumbent will work towards meeting the criteria for Level 3.
Need More Information?
* For role‐related queries contact Amy Farrar at
Information for Applicants
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description. 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: 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 HNELHD‐ for confidential support.
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