Mental Health Professional

Be the calm in the chaos - join a team that's transforming mental health care, one call at a time.

Remuneration: $ $67.15 per hour + super + salary packaging

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor Level 3, Occupational Therapist Level 3, Social Worker Level 3, Registered Nurse

Location: James Fletcher Hospital, Newcastle

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ600172

Applications Close: Tuesday, 2nd September 2025

"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:

We're searching for a passionate and resilient mental health professional who:

• 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.

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:

At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• 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:

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Need more information?

1) Click here for the Position Description

2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Madison Watts on

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:

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. 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 for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.

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