Head of Unit - Hospital Psychiatry

• Location: Sunshine Hospital
• Employment Type: Part-Time (35 hours/fortnight), Ongoing
• Salary: HM33-41/HN19-59 (commensurate with experience) + Superannuation + Salary Packaging

About the role:

Western Health is seeking an experienced and values-driven Head of Unit, Hospital Psychiatry – Mental Health and Wellbeing Services to provide senior clinical leadership across hospital-based psychiatry services.

Key responsibilities:

Working in partnership with operational and nursing leaders, the role will oversee clinical governance, medical workforce management, service development, quality and safety, and the delivery of Best Care for consumers across Western Health.

About you:

This is a key senior medical leadership opportunity for a psychiatrist with strong public mental health experience, a commitment to multidisciplinary care, and the ability to support high-performing teams, strengthen clinical standards, and contribute to the ongoing development of Mental Health and Wellbeing Services in Melbourne’s rapidly growing western region.

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 impactful research, shaping better emergency care and inspiring others, 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 10 September 2026.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Dr Naveen Thomas on 0420 709 979.

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