This is a Permanent or Fixed Term Full-Time opportunity at 76 hours per fortnight. Fixed Term appointments have the high likelihood of extension and/or permanency.

Based in Katanning, the hub of WA’s Central Great Southern, this Clinical Nurse Specialist – Mental Health Triage role offers an experienced mental health nurse the opportunity to take on a senior clinical role within the Great Southern Mental Health Service. You’ll provide expert assessment, triage, crisis intervention and case management for people with complex mental health needs, while also providing clinical leadership, specialist advice and support to colleagues and health service partners across the region. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you’ll have the autonomy to make a genuine contribution to the delivery and development of high-quality rural mental health care.

About the Region:

The Great Southern region is located on the south coast of Western Australia, adjoining the Southern Ocean, where the coast extends for approximately 500 km. It is also bordered by the Southwest region on the west and extends 200 km north where it meets the Wheatbelt region. The total land area is 39,007 sq km (including offshore islands), representing approximately 1.5 per cent of the State's total area.

The historic port town of Albany, which is the State's oldest European settlement, has one of the best natural anchorages in the Southern Hemisphere and is the region's administrative centre. It is also the transport hub from where most of region's crops and livestock are shipped.

Suitability Criteria:

The suitability requirements below are derived from the Job Description Form and define what will be assessed to determine your suitability for the role. Suitability recognises that a range of factors contribute to merit, including skills, knowledge, abilities, behaviours, ethical alignment and relevant operational requirements.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

1. Professional Registration

Eligibility for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, with a commitment to maintaining current professional standards and continuing professional development.

1. Advanced Community Mental Health Nursing Expertise

Extensive experience in community mental health nursing, with demonstrated expert-level skills in the assessment, treatment, crisis intervention, and ongoing case management of adults experiencing complex and persistent mental health conditions.

1. Mental Health Legislation and Clinical Governance

Advanced knowledge of the WA Mental Health Act and National Standards for Mental Health Services, with proven ability to initiate, implement, and coordinate appropriate interventions that promote safety, recovery-oriented practice, and legislative compliance.

1. Communication, Negotiation and Problem Solving

Highly developed negotiation, analytical, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to manage complex clinical situations, build collaborative relationships, and achieve positive outcomes within a community-based service environment.

1. Collaborative and Autonomous Practice

Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as an active member of a multidisciplinary team, contributing specialist mental health nursing expertise while fostering collaborative, consumer-centred care.

1. Digital Literacy and Clinical Information Management

Well-developed computer literacy skills, including experience using electronic medical records, clinical information systems, online policies and procedures, digital communication platforms, and mandatory online learning systems to support safe and effective clinical practice.

Employee Benefits:  

In addition to the great salary our employees enjoy an amazing range of benefits which may include (in line with operational requirements):

• Attractive regional allowances including:
• WA Country Health Service - Country Nursing and Midwifery Incentive Program 
• 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice. For further information on superannuation click here
• Access to generous salary packaging arrangements
• Professional Development Opportunities and Study Leave/assistance
• Flexible working arrangements
• Flexible leave arrangements
• Other professional and location-based allowances 

For Further Job-Related Information:   

We encourage you to contact Geoff Wright on 08 9892 2440 or Geoff.Wright@health.wa.gov.au. 

Application Instructions:  

Applicants are requested to apply online (www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au).  

Applicants are required to provide:

• A statement of no more than three (3) pages outlining your skills, experience and knowledge relevant to the role, with particular reference to the capabilities and experience described in the "Suitability Criteria" section above.
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) summarising your relevant experience and ability to meet the position requirements
• The names and contact details of two (2) professional referees, preferably including your current or most recent manager

These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete the online application process as you will be required to answer various questions and attach your documentation.

Further information about the role, including key duties please see the Job Description Form (available online at www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au). 

Eligibility to Apply: 

To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have valid Australian work rights. This includes visa holders. Permanent appointments may be made to individuals who hold citizenship, permanent residency, or visas that enable ongoing employment in Australia. 

Other Conditions:  

WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake a criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. As well as undertaking a criminal record screening and integrity checking, you may also be required to undertake a working with children check (if required for the role) and a pre-employment health assessment. We may ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. Please note that adverse information does not necessarily disqualify an applicant but will be considered as part of the appointment process.

This vacancy is subject to a Western Australian Working with Children (WWC) Check. For further information please refer to the WWC website at: https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au

Please note this recruitment process requires completion of satisfactory Pre-Employment Health Assessment (PEHA).  Any offer of employment with WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is conditional on satisfactory PEHA to ensure you are able to perform the inherent requirements of the position. An unsatisfactory PEHA will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.  Please see the attached WACHS PEHA Policy for further information.

Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, applicants found suitable for this position may be considered for other ‘similar’ vacancies within WACHS and/or the wider WA public sector. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce where every employee feels valued and empowered. We believe that a diverse team brings unique perspectives and drives innovation to meet our community’s needs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences to join us in shaping a more equitable future and as a measure to achieve equality, under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, encourage applications from people living with a disability, Aboriginal people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women and youth (24 years of age and under).

If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.
  
Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on, or after, 4:00pm will not be accepted.
 
LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.