Visiting Medical Officer - Addiction Medicine/Addiction Psychiatry
Virtual Care Opioid Dependence Treatment Service
Hunter New England Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services
Location Negotiable

Hunter New England Local Health District is seeking suitably qualified Addiction Medicine Physician or Addiction Psychiatrist to join our Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services team as a Visiting Medical Officer, providing specialist care through an established virtual opioid dependence treatment service.

This is a unique opportunity to deliver evidence-based addiction medicine services across Regional and Rural NSW whilst working with an experienced multidisciplinary team. The service provides opioid dependence treatment via telehealth to patients across Hunter New England, Northern NSW and Mid North Coast LHD’s, supported by local clinical teams.

The position offers flexibility, with approximately 16 hours per week available. Applications are welcomed from specialists interested in undertaking the full 16 hours or a smaller weekly commitment, such as 8 or 6 hours per week, with hours negotiable based on individual availability.

About the Role:
As a VMO, you will provide specialist assessment, management and ongoing treatment for people experiencing substance use disorders, with a particular focus on opioid treatment including methadone and buprenorphine prescribing.

The role involves:

• Delivering virtual opioid dependence treatment clinics across multiple LHD’s.
• Comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and management of alcohol and other drug presentations.
• Management of co-existing medical and psychiatric conditions.
• Clinical leadership and specialist consultation to multidisciplinary teams.
• Participation in teaching, supervision and education activities.
• Contribution to service development, quality improvement and clinical governance initiatives.
• Participation in on-call, telehealth and consultative services as required by the service.

About You:
To be considered for this opportunity, you will hold:

• Fellowship of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine, (Royal Australasian College of Physicians) or
• Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and a Certificate of Advanced Training in Addiction Psychiatry.

You will also demonstrate:

• Recent and comprehensive experience in Addiction Medicine/Addiction Medicine Psychiatry.
• Completion of the Opioid Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC), University of Sydney Opioid Dependence Treatment Accreditation Course and Accredited NSW Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) Prescriber.
• Experience in working within a harm reduction framework.

About us:
Hunter New England Local Health District is a large metropolitan and rural local health district in NSW which services a population of more than 970,000 across the Hunter, New England and Lower Mid North Coast areas. Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services are accredited to provide Addiction Medicine training by the RACP. We work in close partnership with the Calvary Mater Alcohol and Drug Service. HNELHD has strong, innovative connections with the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute.

Why join us?

• Sustainability focus: HNELHD is committed to environmentally sustainable healthcare through energy-efficient and waste-reduction initiatives.
• Staff wellbeing supports: Access to Fitness Passport, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and a range of wellbeing initiatives.
• Medical Settlement Concierge: Personalised assistance with onboarding, relocation and settling into the district – for clinicians, families and even pets.
• Research and academic partnerships: Work in collaboration with the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, with opportunities to participate in research and innovation.
  

Need more information?
Click here for the Position Description

Applications close: 1 December 2026

For more information about the role contact: Prof Adrian Dunlop – Area Director HNELHD Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services
Ph: (02) 4016 4664 E: [email protected]
For application related enquiries contact: Sally Jordan – Senior Medical Recruitment Consultant
Ph: (02) 4985 3353 E: [email protected]

Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) 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.

Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specific Diseases - this is a Category A position. Please read and understand NSW Health policy directive (PD2024_015). All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Agency applications are not accepted at this time.