Hunter New England Local Health District will be opening a pioneering Residential Eating Disorders Centre (REDC) in 2024, the first of its kind in New South Wales (NSW). Upon completion of construction, this role will be based in Awabakal Country – Charlestown, Lake Macquarie. Currently, we are operating temporarily from the Mater Mental Health Centre in Awabakal Country – Waratah. Charlestown location, situated 15 km from Newcastle CBD, offers excellent connectivity to community services and transport. It is set in a tranquil bushland environment within a residential area, providing an ideal setting for our facility.

Our state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility features 12 beds and is designed to offer a homelike atmosphere for individuals aged 16 and over who are dealing with eating disorders. The REDC aims to deliver an innovative model of care through a skilled multidisciplinary team, providing a comprehensive and intensive program of individual and group interventions. These interventions will operate within a rehabilitation framework, focusing not only on specialised treatment for eating disorders but also on addressing the psychosocial disruptions and enhancing the overall quality of life of the patients.

The REDC will collaborate closely with existing specialised tertiary services and engage with a wide range of stakeholders across both the public and private sectors within HNELHD and throughout NSW. This integrated approach aims to ensure a seamless continuum of care and support for individuals on their journey to recovery.

About your new role:

The Senior Aboriginal Mental Health & Social Emotional Wellbeing Clinician will be a member of the senior clinical care coordination team who will work closely with the manager to provide leadership and governance. The role will ensure cultural sensitivity, traditional healing methodology and connectedness to country are incorporated into service development and delivery. This will include:

1. Comprehensive and collaborative direct client care including delivering traditional healing activities and culturally sensitive, recovery-oriented wellbeing care plans for people with eating disorders.
2. Designing, delivering and evaluating cultural healing and interventions for people with eating disorders
3. Collaborating with relevant Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations, Elders Groups and Aboriginal community members across NSW to facilitate appropriate care pathways for Aboriginal people with eating disorders and their carers/families.
4. Motivate and engage non-Aboriginal staff to embrace change and undertake traditional healing initiatives
5. Providing support and supervision of less experienced REDC staff members and consultation/engagement with broader HNE MH Aboriginal workforce.

What we can offer you:

• You will work closely with the YAMHS Service Manager for clinical and cultural support to address social, emotional, cultural, spiritual, and physical wellbeing needs. You will also have access to regular clinical supervision, ongoing education, and professional development opportunities relevant to the role.
• Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.
• ADO’s each month
• 4 weeks annual leave
• Salary packaging options 
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members 
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals 

Requirements:

• Must hold a qualification in one of the following: Occupational Therapy, Clin Psychology/clin psych in training, Nursing, Social Work, Counsellor (Degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental health, Djirruwang Program), Nutrition and Dietetics which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation
  Agency. For a CNS2: relevant post-registration qualifications and at least 3 years experience working in the clinical area of a post-graduate qualifications.
• Eligible to drive in NSW.

You are:

• Experienced and competent in the treatment of eating disorders with exceptional interpersonal skills and a flexible approach.
• As a team member, able to display warmth and compassion for others.
• Passionate about improving services for people with an eating disorder.
• Confident in delivering culturally sensitive healing alongside specialist patient centred and family inclusive clinical advice and care and able to establish this within the treatment setting 

Additional information:

• For information on Confirmation of Aboriginality requirements click here. If you require support, please make contact so this support can be offered. 

Need more information?
  1) Click here for the Position Description