Consultant Psychiatrist - Broome

 

Are you looking for an opportunity to improve mental healthcare in one of Australia’s most unique and vibrant regions?

WA Country Health Service is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to join the Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service, based at Broome Mental Health Unit.

This is a Permanent Full Time or Fixed Term Full Time at 80 hours per fortnight, with the possibility of extension(s) and/or permanency.

We currently have 1 FTE available.

 

About the Role

The Consultant Psychiatrist role is crucial in enabling the Broome Mental Health Unit (BMHU) to deliver comprehensive mental health services across the Kimberley region.

You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team, including a psychiatry registrar trainee, an intern, Aboriginal Liaison Officers, nurses and allied health professionals. You’ll also provide clinical leadership for the Psychiatry Liaison Nurse Service, ensuring comprehensive daily reviews for emergency department mental health presentations and those with acute mental health problems in the general hospital.

Mentorship and supervision of junior medical staff will be central to your role, fostering their growth while maintaining high standards of care. You’ll also ensure compliance with the Western Australian Mental Health Act (2014), with a focus on clinical leadership and service excellence.

This role involves serving a patient population where 80-90% are Aboriginal, reflecting the unique demographics of the Kimberley region. The focus is on delivering culturally sensitive care, working closely with Aboriginal Liaison Officers who provide a direct link between the health service and Aboriginal peoples and act as advocate, interpreter and advisor within the Health Service to ensure care aligns with cultural values and beliefs. This role offers an opportunity to develop and utilise a deeper understanding of mental health within Aboriginal communities and offers exposure to a broad range of clinical presentations, including first-episode psychosis, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.

This is a unique opportunity for you to shape the future of mental healthcare in the Kimberley and make a lasting impact in this culturally rich and diverse region.

Want to hear more? Check out the What’s great about working for WACHS Kimberley video!

 

About the Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service

The Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service provides multidisciplinary assessment, treatment, and support for people with moderate to severe mental health and substance use disorders. Our team delivers collaborative, recovery-oriented services to those of all ages, cultures, and locations in the region.

Located on the Broome Hospital Campus, the Broome Mental Health Unit, Mabu Liyan—meaning "a place of good spirit"—is a 13-bed acute psychiatric facility serving the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Supported by a dedicated Aboriginal Mental Health team, Mabu Liyan fosters culturally safe care and works closely with community mental health services to ensure continuity of care.

Our Mental Health Liaison team also provides seven-day consultation and liaison services to hospitals across the Kimberley, supporting coordinated regional mental health care.

 

About the Region

The Kimberley is Western Australia's northernmost region, bordered by the Pilbara region to the south and the Northern Territory to the east. Home to around 40,000 people, with approximately 50% identifying as Aboriginal, the region is rich in cultural diversity and experiences.

The West Kimberley is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including towering cliffs, rocky headlands, and pristine waterways. With easy access to the Fitzroy River and King Sound, residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, crabbing, and boating in the region's clear, untouched waters. On weekends, you might explore the rugged islands of the nearby archipelago or camp at Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and adventure that the Kimberley has to offer.

 

What's in it for you

As a Consultant, you will receive an attractive remuneration: Consultant Year 1-6 - p.a. $552,009 - $656,772 pa (inclusive of base salary, 11.5% superannuation, on call allowance and PDL allowance).

Additionally, working in WACHS comes with generous benefits, such as development opportunities, salary packaging, gratuity payment which pays a lump sum equivalent to 12 weeks salary after the first three year of continuous service and many more.

Please Click here for full information on salaries and benefits.

Contact Information

Want more information about this role? Reach out to Dr Huw Raggatt – Clinical Director Mental Health Services via email: stephen.raggatt@health.wa.gov.au or phone: 08 9194 2222.

 

Application Process

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

To complete the application, please apply here by submiting the following documents:

• A statement addressing each of the Work-Related Criteria found in the attached Job Description Form and addressing how you meet the position requirements.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae which summarises your experience and how you meet the position requirements.
• Contact details for two work related referees (one of your referees must be a current supervisor or manager).

Please note that unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies and/or search firms will not be accepted, and fees will not be paid to any such organisation unless arranged with the provider to the advertisement of the vacancy. 

 

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.

This vacancy is subject to a Western Australian Working with Children (WWC) Check. For further information please refer to the WWC website at: https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au

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 can 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.

Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, it may also be used to fill other "similar" vacancies throughout the health service. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.

Late or emailed applications will not be accepted.