Job opportunity

This position is based in Central Office 6-8 Bennett Street, East Perth 6004. However, the role may require travel across the WA Health system.

This advertisement is to fill a permanent full time vacancy.

Position Profile:

As the Area Director Psychiatry, you will be working in collaboration with other Directors of Psychiatry and the psychiatry staff of the Mental Health Emergency Telehealth Service, this role provides Clinical and Professional Leadership for WACHS Mental Health Services (MHS). As directed by the Executive Director Mental Health (EDMH) and in partnership with the Executive Director Medical Services (EDMS), supports clinical and professional leadership for all mental health services delivered by WACHS. 

Mental Health Central Office (MHCO)

Mental Health Central Office (MHCO) is a skilled and dynamic team drawing on a wide range of experience and background to reflect diversity in cultural, consumer, peer and clinical perspectives across a range of functions working to enable and account for MH and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) service provision in the regions. These functions include strategic planning and service reform; workforce development; patient safety, clinical quality and service improvement; performance monitoring; communication; and cultural and clinical governance. MHCO also works closely with the WACHS Command Centre to provide virtual support and advice on care and treatment.

Why Join Us?

This role is ideal for someone who wants to make a meaningful and lasting impact. You will:

• Shape services that improve the clinical psychiatry, particularly in rural and remote communities.
• Work in a senior leadership position that blends clinical influence, strategic vision, and service redesign.
• Collaborate with passionate leaders and multidisciplinary teams who are committed to innovation and excellence.
• Drive workforce development and contribute to building a strong, skilled mental health workforce.

Lead initiatives that embrace digital care, new models of service, and modern approaches to mental health delivery.

If you are motivated by equity, clinical excellence, and the chance to deliver transformative change in complex and diverse settings, this is the role for you!

The Successful Candidates Will:   

• Be eligible for registration by the Medical Board of Australia.
• Hold fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, or approved equivalent or in final stages of obtaining fellowship.
• Possess skills and experience in leadership and management of Clinical Psychiatry
• Have demonstrated knowledge of the principles, intent and application of WA Mental Health Act 2014 legislation.

Benefits of working with WACHS Mental Health:

• Access to generous salary packaging arrangements. 
• Generous leave entitlements.  
• Professional development opportunities. 
• Flexible working arrangements. 

For further job-information:

Please contact Paula Chatfield – Executive Director Mental Health on 0459 895 640 or email paula.chatfield@health.wa.gov.au  

Application Process:

To apply for this role, please submit a resume, along with a brief statement (no more than 3 pages) that highlights your skills and experiences relevant to the selection criteria listed below. Additionally, provide contact details for two professional referees, with one of them being your most recent line manager.

Please note – the selection process may not necessarily include the conduct of interviews.

Essential Criteria:

1. Eligible for registration by the Medical Board of Australia.
2. Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
3. Demonstrated skills and experience in leadership and management of high quality, culturally appropriate and contemporary mental health services.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, intent, and application of contemporary mental health legislation.
5. Demonstrated ability to apply highly effective interpersonal, organisational and communication skills in implementing and managing reform and change.
6. Demonstrated strategic planning and policy formulation skills.
7. Highly developed conceptual, analytic, and problem-solving skills.
8. Comprehensive knowledge of quality improvement principles.
9. Current knowledge of legislative obligations for Equal Opportunity, Disability Services and Occupational Safety and Health and how these impact on employment and service delivery.

 Desirable

1. Knowledge of current issues facing the WA Health industry, particularly in rural mental health and Aboriginal Mental Health.
2. Demonstrated ability to lead service reform and undertake change management processes.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of quality improvement principles.
4. Formal management qualifications.
5. Demonstrated commitment to teaching and research.

If you encounter any difficulties while applying online, please contact medcareerswa@health.wa.gov.au

Other Conditions:  

WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. Referees may also be asked to comment on an applicant’s integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour.

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.

Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on, or after, 4:00pm will not be accepted. 

LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.