Description
WSLHD Mental Health Service
Permanent 1.0 FTE Staff Specialist
Director Older Persons and Adult Community
Applications are invited from suitably qualified medical practitioners for the above position in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD). This position will be located at Cumberland Hospital in the Mental Health Service Executive team.
Successful applicants will have relevant experience in either Community or Older Persons Mental Health and demonstrated attributes in leadership and management.
Demonstrate relational leadership behaviours which shape a workplace culture embodying CORE values and continuous learning together with mutual respect, having a disposition of mindfulness in all actions with an awareness and application of the Code of Conduct.
Promote and coordinate quality improvement and person-centred care within the department, service and district. Utilize key performance indicators that provide outcome measures. Include quality improvement, patient safety and consumer participation as standard agenda items at department meetings. Include consumers in the evaluation and planning of services.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting and management of near or actual, incidents or patient and staff safety concerns.
As a leader you are expected to support the organization achieve the aims of the safety management system, to establish and maintain a positive health and safety culture in the workplace and to consult with workers and others when making decisions that may impact upon the health, safety and welfare of those in the workplace.
Managers promote a positive risk culture where understanding, managing and accepting appropriate risk is part of all decision-making processes.
Essential Requirements for Appointment
1. Possess or be eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia and Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists or equivalent as provided for in the Staff Specialists (State) Award. Must have Australian Citizenship or Permanent Australian Residency. Must hold a current NSW Environment Protection Authority license (if applicable).
2. Sound clinical knowledge in Old Age Psychiatry and/or Adult Psychiatry and comprehensive mental health service provision demonstrated through successful clinical practice in an environment appropriate to the requirements of the position with experience in Community Mental Health.
3. Sound knowledge of principles of Recovery based clinical practice and Integrated Mental Health Care.
4. Demonstrated skills and attitudes appropriate for practice as a Senior Medical Practitioner including:
- High level interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability working within a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience and involvement in quality assurance activities and evidence-based best practice.
- Demonstrated commitment to teaching and supervision.
5. Familiarity with research concepts and commitment to support basic, applied or clinical research within the Department.
6. Relevant experience in community and/or old age psychiatry required, with a Certificate in Old Age Psychiatry desirable.
Applicants must have Australian Fellowship/Specialist Registration at time of applying.
Conditions of appointment are in accordance with the Staff Specialists (State) Award.
Selection Criteria
Please outline how you satisfy the selection criteria listed below. In addressing the selection criteria, include any relevant skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience:
1. Current medical practitioner registered or eligible for specialist registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, and Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
2. Demonstrated effective clinical leadership and clinical practice in Mental Health, with the ability to adapt clinical practice in accordance with contemporary evidence-based best practice.
3. Demonstrated commitment to effective clinical governance and to promoting a culture of quality, safety and clinical practice improvement.
4. Demonstrated track record in effective development, implementation, planning and management of Mental Health Services.
5. Demonstrated medical administration experience and comprehensive knowledge of professional and practice issues surrounding medical clinical practice and medical staff training.
6. Demonstrated application of knowledge and expertise in service delivery across a diverse range of care sectors, in advocacy for positive change in a broad range of community and government forums.
7. Demonstrated high level leadership skills and experience in effectively negotiating, motivating, and developing staff, demonstrating the ability to motivate and engage a multi-disciplinary team to achieve stated outcomes.
8. Demonstrated extensive experience in health operational planning, change management, policy development and financial management.
Working With Children Check
Applicants must provide evidence of a Working with Children Check issued by the Office of Communities Commission for Children and Young People. For more information on how to apply for the clearance, please visit the Commission for Children and Young People website: https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/working-children-check
The Position Description can be located via e-credential, please refer to the link below.
To apply for this position, please complete an online application by clicking on the link below:
Applications must be received by 5pm before the advertised closing date.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 24 MARCH 2026
CONTACT
Ms Juanita Taylor
Juanita.Taylor@health.nsw.gov.au
If you are having any issues regarding your application via e-credential, please contact the Specialist Medical and Dental Recruitment Unit on (02) 8838 2094 or via e-mail: WSLHD-SMADR@health.nsw.gov.au
