Emergency Department Mental Health Nurse Navigator

• Location: Sunshine & Footscray Hospitals
• Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time (rotating roster), Ongoing
• Salary: RPN Grade 5 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging

About the role:

The Emergency Department (ED) Mental Health Nurse Navigator will demonstrate clinical expertise; utilise strategic and creative thinking with respect to health care alternatives, with the aim of improving patient outcomes through early intervention and disposition and reducing avoidable admissions and extended lengths of stay within the ED.

This role is essential to Best Care of mental health consumers presenting to the ED by facilitating timely care and assessment using a consumer centered and trauma informed focus.    

Key responsibilities:

• The position is responsible for ensuring that all mental health consumers are effectively screened and triaged at point of entry to the ED.
• The ED Mental Health Nurse Navigator will provide a person-centered coordinated model of care that will meet the complex and changing needs of mental health consumers in the ED. This facilitation will be achieved by reducing fragmentation, mitigating barriers, educating ED staff, empowering and coordinating patient care.

About you:

• A minimum postgraduate diploma in Mental Health Nursing or equivalent.
• A minimum of 5 years clinical experience including acute mental health and emergency mental health experience.
• High level skill in developing management plans and comprehensive care formulations.
• Demonstrated ability to consult, liaise and negotiate sensitively with clients, treating teams, their family or carers and members of other community services.

Click here for the Position Description.

About Western Health

Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs. 

With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.

We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.

We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges.

Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall.

Why join us?

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.
• Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.
• Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.

Learning and development opportunities

• Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways.
• Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.
• Mentorship and career support.

Community impact and inclusion

• Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care.
• Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.
• Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.

Organisational culture and environment

• Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.
• Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re passionate about leading acute and emergency mental health care that is consumer centered and trauma informed, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts.

If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.

Closing date: 11:59pm on 5 August 2026.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Shellwyn Mouat via Shellwyn.Mouat@wh.org.au.

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).

Western Health is committed to the psychosocial safety of all applicants and employees.

Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.

Western Health