Head of Unit - Rheumatology
- Location: All Western Health sites (primarily Footscray Hospital)
- Employment Type: Permanent, Part-Time (28 hours/fortnight)
- Salary: HN16-HN59 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
About the role
Western Health is seeking a highly experienced medical leader to join us as Head of Unit Rheumatology.
In this role you will provide clinical leadership to senior and junior medical staff, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care. You will be responsible for supervision and training, supporting the development of junior staff, and maintaining a strong focus on quality and safety.
You will also oversee the unit’s strategic direction, including managing budgets, staffing requirements, and activity targets. You will drive improvements in models of care and support ongoing research. Working closely with the Clinical Service Director and Divisional Director, you will play a key role in advancing Rheumatology services and meeting the wider needs of the organisation.
This position offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated team and contribute to the continued growth and development of Rheumatology at Western Health.
Key responsibilities:
- Ensure standardised, equitable care and consistent departmental processes across all sites, underpinned by a strong quality and safety culture.
- Review and optimise models of care and clinical workflows to meet patient needs and organisational priorities, with a focus on timely access to care.
- Lead strategic workforce planning for senior and junior medical staff, aligned with EBA provisions and RACP training requirements, to support high-quality care and staff well-being.
- Oversee service delivery with sound financial stewardship, ensuring efficient and sustainable use of resources.
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 and contributing to continued growth and development within Rheumatology at Western 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 November 2025.
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact:
Name: Dr William Renwick
Title: Clinical Service Director – Cancer, Cardiology & Specialty Medicine
Email: William.Renwick@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.
Western Health