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Posted 06 August, 2026

Registered Nurse - Transition to Clinical Nurse Specialist - Drug & Alcohol Services

Hunter New England Local Health District
Taree, Taree Community Health Service | Mid North Coast Full Time
Reference: 55_459517_347258

Transform Lives Through Specialist Drug & Alcohol Nursing Care - Make a Lasting Impact in Your Community

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2
Remuneration: $119,436.75 - $132,523.13 + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week
Requisition ID: REQ681120
Location: Taree Community Health Service
Applications Close: Sunday 16th August 2026


Take Your Nursing Career Further - Become a Drug & Alcohol Clinical Specialist

Are you a Registered Nurse seeking to specialise in Drug & Alcohol clinical care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families? Join us as a Registered Nurse - Transition to Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 - Drug & Alcohol Services, where you will provide expert, compassionate, and evidence-based care to clients experiencing substance use challenges.

This is an opportunity to be part of a service that supports people through treatment, recovery, and positive change. You will deliver high-quality, person-centred care across inpatient and outpatient settings, contribute specialist knowledge, mentor colleagues, and help shape the ongoing development of Drug & Alcohol services within the community.


Why You'll Love This Role:

  • Work within a supportive, collaborative, and high-performing team with strong leadership from your Nurse Unit Manager (NUM), Health Service Manager (HSM), and District leadership team
  • Access ongoing professional development, specialty education, and opportunities to enhance your expertise in Drug & Alcohol clinical practice
  • Build meaningful therapeutic relationships with clients and contribute to improved health, wellbeing, and recovery outcomes
  • Be supported through a comprehensive onboarding process, including training in clinical systems and local service processes

What You'll Do:

  • Deliver high-quality, evidence-based, individualised care within Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services
  • Support prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery for clients experiencing substance use challenges
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNCs), Medical Officers, and Aboriginal Health Workers
  • Act as a mentor and role model, sharing your knowledge to strengthen the team and guide junior staff
  • Contribute to service improvement, care planning, and innovative approaches in the Drug & Alcohol specialty

About You:

You are a compassionate, skilled, and approachable Registered Nurse who thrives in a specialist clinical environment. You demonstrate:

  • Confidence in autonomous decision-making and guiding others' practice
  • Strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills
  • Commitment to delivering high-quality, individualised care for people with complex needs


The Perks
At Hunter New England Health enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:

  • Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
  • Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
  • 6 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

Essential Requirements:

  • Current Registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Registered Nurse
  • Post-registration qualifications relevant to Drug & Alcohol nursing, with at least 3 years' post-registration experience in Drug & Alcohol clinical services
  • Eligible to drive in NSW and willingness to travel for work purposes

Why This Role is So Rewarding:

Working in Drug & Alcohol Services is deeply meaningful - you'll see the difference your care makes every day, from supporting clients' first steps toward recovery to helping them build healthier, safer lives. This role allows you to specialise, lead, mentor, and make a lasting impact in your community.

Need more information?
Click here for the Position Description
Find out more about applying for this position. For role related queries or questions contact William Robertson on [email protected]


  • 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.

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/3vL5fq2

Stepping 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.

Hunter 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 [email protected] for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefitssuch as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
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