Consultant - Psychiatrist - South West Mental Health

MP Year 1 – 9 $377,557 - $479,490 per annum*

*(Full time salary listed above includes a base salary of $306,689 - $398,110, professional development allowance $31,926 and 11.5% employer contributed superannuation.

(Superannuation at the rate stated will come into effect 1 July 2024)

MP Year 1 – 9 $723.76 – 919.16 per session**

**(Sessional rate above includes a base sessional rate of $587.9 – $763.16, professional development allowance of $61.20 per session and 11.5% employer contributed superannuation (Superannuation at the rate stated will come into effect 1 July 2024)

This is a Recruitment Pool to fill Various Permanent appointments (Sessional, Part-time & Full-Time or Fixed Term) and/or Fixed Term (Full Time, Part Time or Sessional) appointment(s).

Fixed Term appointments include the possibility of extension(s) and/or permanency.

The South West Region currently has a variety of Consultant Psychiatrist Positions summarised below (Total – 5.6 FTE):

Work arrangements mentioned are listed as a maximum, should those above not align to your preferences, these work arrangements can be negotiated upon successful.

Launched in February 2023, the Rural Psychiatry Training WA Program has already increased the number of Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatry (RANZCP) accredited Trainees from 1 to 10 in the South West region, thanks to the support of the Department of Health, WA Country Health Service (WACHS), the Mental Health Commission and RANZCP.

Imagine being part of a ground-breaking initiative that is transforming the mental health landscape of rural Australia and New Zealand. The Rural Psychiatry Training WA (RPTWA) Program is the first of its kind, offering a dedicated rural training zone for aspiring psychiatrists who want to make a difference in the lives of people in regional and remote areas.

The RPTWA Program is not only creating new opportunities for trainees, but also for educators who are passionate about rural psychiatry and want to mentor the next generation of rural mental health professionals. By joining the RPTWA Program, you will be part of an unprecedented change that is improving access, quality and outcomes of mental health care in rural and remote communities.

Don’t miss this chance to shape a sustainable rural mental health workforce and make a lasting impact on the wellbeing of rural Australians and New Zealanders.

ABOUT SOUTH WEST MENTAL HEALTH

The South West Mental Health Service provides a range of specialist community and in-patient mental health services for people living in South West, Western Australia. 

The Mental Health Service currently delivers an array of Programs including the following:

• Acute Psychiatric inpatient unit with:
  • 23 low acuity beds
  • 7 high acuity beds
• Regional Consultation Liaison service based in Bunbury hospital
• Community Mental Health Clinics located in Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown, Manjimup.
  • Infant, Child and Adolescent (0-16)
  • Youth (16-18)
  • Adult (18-65)
  • Older Adult (65+)
• Step-up Step-down Unit in Partnership with Richmond Wellbeing
• Youth Mental Health Services, in partnership with WA Primary Health Alliance
• Community Assessment and Support Team (CAST)
• Mental Health Co-Response team in partnership with the WA Police
• Specialised Aboriginal Mental Health Services
• Collaborative work with Alcohol and Drug support services and the Western Australia Eating Disorder Consultation Service (WAEDOCS)

THE SOUTH WEST REGION

The South West region is in the south-western corner of Western – it shares its eastern boundary with the Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions and is bordered by the Indian & Southern Oceans, with around 1,000km of spectacular coastline. The South West region covers an area of 24,000 square kilometres, representing around 1.0% of the landmass of Western Australia.

The region boasts a rich and varied natural environment. It is home to 24 different national parks, tall timber forests, ancient caves and an abundance of wildflowers, birdlife and native wildlife. Its coastline features some of the best beaches in the country and is a popular surfing destination worldwide.

The South West is Western Australia’s most popular tourist destination outside of Perth and is renowned for its wineries, fresh produce, restaurants and thriving arts community, with numerous galleries showcasing the works of the region’s talented artists.

The South West region had a population of almost 180,000 in 2014 (representing 7.0% of the State’s population). By 2025, the population is expected to reach almost 233,000 persons (7.3% of the State’s population). Some of the fastest population increases were in the South West, including Busselton (4.5%), Margaret River (4.0%), and Bunbury (2.5%). The Aboriginal population in the South West was approximately 3,300 people in 2011, which represented 4.4% of the total Aboriginal population in Western Australia. This is expected to grow to almost 5,500 by 2025, with the percentage increasing slightly to 4.5%.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU

• An attractive salary package of up to $470K+ inclusive of employer-contributed superannuation.
• Three weeks’ professional Development leave per year, in addition to at least four weeks’ Annual Leave.
• Opportunities to support Trainees with research projects and psychotherapy training.
• The South West region is home to some of the best beaches, fishing locations, wreck diving and water sport activities, keeping you and/or your family occupied!
• Explore and experience the unique charm of the region’s towns such as Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Gracetown, Margaret River, Hamelin Bay and Augusta right on your doorstep!
• Your mental wellbeing is equally as important as the patients you treat! As such WACHS promotes and encourages a healthy work life balance to ensure you are at your best each day!
• Save yourself a 2-hour drive back to Perth Airport and drive 30 minutes from Bunbury to Busselton Airport.
  • With flights available 3 times a week to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport – you are only one flight away from your next international (or domestic) getaway!
• Exclusive discounts on a number of private health insurance providers
• Did you know you may be eligible to transfer your long service and sick leave over from other WA government, Commonwealth, or any other State of Australia government jurisdictions? (Entitlements transferred are subject to specific conditions, audit, and review of current Industrial Agreement guidelines and are assessed on a case-by-case basis).

This is a recruitment pool, and as such the following should be noted:

• The panel will monitor this recruitment pool for applications and will assess on a regular basis.
• Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments may be made when similar vacancies occur.
• Appointments may be made from this pool until 06/02/2026. 

Information for Specialist International Medical Graduates

We encourage applications from international specialists and international medical graduates (IMGs). We value the unique perspectives and skills that international applicants bring to our healthcare system. Please note, in line with the requirements of the Medical Board of Australia Registration Standards: Specialist Registration it is a breach of National Law for practitioners to use the protected 'Specialist' title if they do not hold specialist registration with AHPRA. SIMGs completing a supervision period with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry as part of the specialist assessment process cannot be appointed to a consultant specialist position with WACHS until the practitioner holds specialist registration and it is reflected on the AHPRA website. WACHS can appoint suitable applicants as a Senior Medical Practitioner, Health Service Medical Practitioner or District Medical Officer while supporting the completion of the supervision period. Individual assessment of a SIMG application will determine the appropriate classification individual practitioners can be appointed to.

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector, it is essential that you are an Australian citizen or hold permanent residency status in Australia.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must have a current, valid email address in order to apply online. This email address will be used for communication with applicants.  If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact MedCareersWA@health.wa.gov.au

Please apply online by providing the following documents:

• A statement addressing each of the Selection Criteria found in the attached Job Description Form and how you are able to meet the position requirements. It is recommended you contact the person listed in this advertisement for further information about the role and selection process.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae which summarises your experience and how you are able to meet the position requirements. Please include contact details for work related referees (It is preferable for one of your referees to be a current supervisor or manager).

These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online.

For Further Job-Related Information:

We encourage you to contact Dr Benjamin Sketcher – Director Clinical Services – Mental Health on 9722 1300 or via email:

WACHS-SWClinicalDirectorMentalHealth@health.wa.gov.au

WA Health is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service. We embrace diversity and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.

WA Health supports flexible working practices within the context of a quality health service. WA Health is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles.

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 are able to 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.

LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.