Clinical Nurse Specialist (Level 2) – Port Macquarie in Riverside

Employment with Mid North Coast LHD requires candidates to hold a valid authority to work in Australia (Aust Work Rights Visa). The Clinical Nurse Specialist is responsible for delivering specialist nursing care and leading development of specialist clinical practice and service delivery to provide effective quality care for patients with complex care needs for the new dedicated inpatient withdrawal management beds (Port Macquarie Base Hospital). The position will take a leadership role while working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team and act as a clinical expert, professional role model and change agent to promote practice development and quality initiatives that promote safe, efficient, and high-quality care. The position will work closely with the treating medical teams and patient flow manager to ensure efficient and safe bed management.

About You

You are a highly experienced and dedicated Registered Nurse with current registration through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, supported by relevant post-registration qualifications and significant experience in the drug and alcohol sector. Your extensive clinical background enables you to deliver evidence-based care to individuals experiencing substance use issues, with a strong focus on supporting recovery, promoting wellbeing, and improving health outcomes. You possess a comprehensive understanding of contemporary drug and alcohol assessment, treatment, and inpatient withdrawal management practices, applying current best-practice guidelines to provide safe, effective, and person-centred care. Your clinical expertise is complemented by strong critical thinking and decision-making skills, allowing you to manage complex presentations while maintaining a compassionate and professional approach. Committed to clinical excellence, you take responsibility for your own professional development while actively supporting the growth and development of colleagues and team members. You are recognised for your ability to lead initiatives that enhance service delivery, strengthen clinical practice, and achieve improved outcomes for consumers accessing drug and alcohol services. An effective communicator, you utilise advanced written, verbal, interpersonal, and information technology skills to engage with consumers, families, carers, and healthcare professionals. You work confidently both independently and collaboratively, contributing positively within multidisciplinary teams and fostering strong partnerships that support coordinated, high-quality care. Guided by the principles of harm minimisation and trauma-informed care, you approach every interaction with empathy, respect, and an understanding of the complex factors influencing recovery. You are committed to sharing your professional knowledge and expertise, mentoring others, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement that enhances clinical practice and delivers meaningful outcomes for consumers and their communities.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion lies at the heart of how we recruit. Mid North Coast Local Health District is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects and understands the community we serve. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels respected, valued and that they belong. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from candidates of all cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. We encourage you to reach out if you require any adjustments or assistance during the recruitment process to ensure you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential.

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined under the General questions section at Occupational assessment screening and vaccination - FAQ. Salary will be accordance with NSW Health State Awards for the advertised classification/s.