Head of Unit - Older Adult Mental Health & Wellbeing Program
- Location: Sunshine Hospital
- Employment Type: Permanent Part-Time (Fractional Specialist)
- Salary: As per FRANZCP experience
About the role
Western Health is seeking a dynamic and experienced Consultant Psychiatrist to lead the Older Person's Mental Health program as Head of Unit within the Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing Services.
This pivotal leadership role is responsible for providing clinical governance, supervision of consultant psychiatrists and registrars, and clinical leadership to a dedicated and multidisciplinary team. The Head of Unit will work closely with the Clinical Services Director, Divisional Director, and Director of Operations to ensure the delivery of safe, person-centred, and recovery-oriented care to older adults with complex mental health needs.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and clinical leadership across the Older Person's Mental Health service.
- Oversee clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives.
- Supervise and mentor consultant psychiatrists and registrars.
- Collaborate with divisional leaders to guide service development and workforce planning.
About you:
- Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP).
- Specialist registration as a psychiatrist with AHPRA.
- Certificate of Advanced Training in Psychiatry of Old Age.
- Demonstrated expertise in old age psychiatry, including multidisciplinary team leadership.
- Experience in clinical governance, service planning, and registrar education.
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?
This is a significant leadership opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and clinical excellence of Older Person's Mental Health at one of Victoria's largest and most respected public health services. If you’re passionate about Older Person’s Mental Health. 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 2 August 2025.
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Dr Naveen Thomas (Clinical Services Director - Mental Health & Wellbeing Services) via email Naveen.Thomas@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 does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.