Job description
Agency Department of Health Work unit Mental Health Services, Big Rivers Region
Job title Specialist - Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Designation Professional 2
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing commencing 23/03/2026
Salary $90,204 - $107,554 Location Katherine
Position number 44665 RTF Closing 12/02/2026
Contact officer Jane Hair, Manager on | or
About the agency
Apply online
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with disability
by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss this with the contact
officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the OCPE
website.
Primary objective
Applies specialist knowledge, skills, attributes, and abilities within a specified area of clinical practice in therapeutic and professional relationships
with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Context statement
Working collaboratively and cohesively as a part of the multi-disciplinary health team, and primarily in an after-hours capacity, the role will engage
in the provision of mental health/AOD triage assessment and treatment of clients in the Katherine Hospital Emergency Department as part of the
community mental health/AOD team. The role will work in line with the NT Mental Health Act and will encompass crisis management, short term
brief intervention using a recovery-based framework, and referrals to other healthcare professionals for follow-up treatment. The successful
applicant will have demonstrated clinical experience working as a mental health professional, in a range of clinical situations with knowledge of
contemporary mental health practice, evidence-based treatments/interventions and trauma-informed care. Inherent to this role is completion of a
recognised mental health/AOD qualification and a current NT driver's licence or have the ability to obtain same.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Applies specialist knowledge and skills within a defined practice area in therapeutic and professional relationships with individuals, as well as
families/carers, groups and communities.
2. Provide comprehensive assessment, treatment and monitoring to a wide range of clients with complex needs.
3. Educate, support and be a resource for other clinical staff in the appropriate care and management of patients who have mental health AOD
issues, to improve client care.
4. Ensure Mental Health/AOD Services are delivered/managed in accordance with National/NT strategic operational directions/ operating
procedures, legislative requirements, best practice and departmental/program policies.
1. Co-ordinate and/or contribute to continuous quality improvement and service development activities at a local or regional level to ensure
delivery of contemporary allied health services.
6. Follow defined service quality standards, work health and safety policies and procedures relating to the work being undertaken in order to
ensure high quality, safe services and workplaces.
1. Foster a positive workplace culture through exemplary leadership practices and role modelling behaviour.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Have a recognised degree in, Psychology, Social Work or Occupational Therapy, with registration to practice as a Registered Occupational
Therapist or Psychologist or eligibility for practicing membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
2. Demonstrates well-developed knowledge, skills, and experience in Mental Health and/or Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs.
3. Demonstrated ability as a clinical resource person and role model to mentor and preceptor new and junior staff and students.
4. Demonstrates contribution to the development and implementation of local activities beyond direct client care e.g. clinical education, assist
in management, research/quality assurance activities.
5. Demonstrates effective communication skills to influence others in a mature, confident manner including maintaining productive multi-
disciplinary working relationships, effectively dealing with challenging behaviours and the resolution of conflicts.
6. Demonstrates well-developed knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural issues, influences and sensitivities that influence health
care provision for clients and families.
7. Proven skills in using electronic information systems for maintaining accurate records with a high standard of accurate, proficient
documentation and the ability to manage own workload including administrative with minimal supervision.
Desirable
1. Graduate Certificate beyond entry-to-practice in relevant specialty area.
Further information
Positions may be subject to pre-employment checks such as immunisation requirements, working with children clearance notice and criminal
history checks. A criminal history will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is a relevant criminal history. For immunisation
requirements - Category A (direct contact with blood or body substances) or Category B (indirect contact with blood or body substances), check
with contact person for requirements.