Director Clinical Services Mental Health - Wheatbelt Region

Lead the Future of Mental Healthcare in the Wheatbelt.

This is a Fixed Term – Full Time appointment at 80 hours per fortnight.

This appointment is to cover long service leave for the substantive occupant commencing 14th April 2025, with the possibility of extension(s).

We are open to a Fixed Term – Part Time or Fixed Term – Sessional appointments, however a Fixed Term - Full Time appointment is preferred.

About the role:

The role of the Director Clinical Services Mental Health (DCSMH) is pivotal in the effective management and governance of the Wheatbelt Mental Health Service. The DCSMH benefits from a supportive and collaborative team environment. This positive work culture contributes to the overall success of the Wheatbelt Mental Health Service. Working closely alongside the Regional Manager and serving as a key member of the Mental Health Executive Advisory Group, the Clinical Director oversees a dedicated team of 4.5 medical staff, ranging from Consultant, Registrars, and locum staff. This leadership position involves not only day-to-day operational responsibilities but also overseas initiatives within the mental health space.

One of the primary focuses of the role is the ongoing development and enhancement of the Wheatbelt Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug Consultation Liaison Service. With a keen eye on expanding the reach and impact of this vital service, the Clinical Director is at the forefront of strategic planning and implementation to better serve the community.

Furthermore, the role entails active involvement in the expansion of the team through the Rural Psychiatry Training Program, showcasing a commitment to fostering the next generation of mental health professionals. This forward-thinking approach not only enriches the team but also ensures the delivery of high-quality mental health services to the population.

This role is entitled to a Head of Department Allowance of $10,094 per annum.

About Wheatbelt Mental Health Services:

Wheatbelt Mental Health Service provides free, confidential, quality, community mental health care to people of all ages. Our clinical programs include Aboriginal Mental Health Program (All ages), Adult Mental Health Program (18-65 years), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program (0-18 years), Seniors Mental Health Program (65+ years) and Youth Mental Health Program (15-24 years).

The Wheatbelt Mental Health Service is a team of Mental Health Professionals including Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers, Child and Adolescent Professionals. Aboriginal Workers and Community Mental Health Nurses. This service provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for people with mental health problems. The service can provide training and support to other organisations and professionals.

Locally based, multi-disciplinary teams are in Northam, Gingin, Merredin, and Narrogin. Regular visits are made to outlying areas within the region to meet community needs. Outreach is supported by telephone consultation and videoconferencing. Clinical liaison is provided to hospitals within the region.

About the Region:

The Wheatbelt region covers an area of 154,862 square kilometres.The region is Western Australia’s largest agricultural producer and is the source of nearly two-thirds of the State's wheat production, half of its wool production, and the majority of its lamb and mutton, oranges, honey, cut flowers and a range of other agricultural and pastoral products.

It is known for the world-famous Wave Rock, which stretches 100 metres and stands 15 metres high, and the region’s Dryandra Woodland is one of Western Australia’s most important areas for wildlife preservation. The region is popular with tourists thanks to its character townships, pioneering history, golden fields, rural farms and wildflowers. Tourism and gold, nickel and iron ore mining also contribute to the region’s economy.

Wheatbelt residents tend to directly access health services from metropolitan hospitals. As the Wheatbelt does not have a Regional Health Campus providing more complex care. Wheatbelt residents must access more complex, higher acuity services from metropolitan Perth hospitals.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive salary packages which are among the highest in Australia.
• Flexible working arrangements and rosters so you can spend more time on the things that matter!
• Experience the genuine warmth and close-knit community of the Wheatbelt community.
• Embrace a broad spectrum of medical cases and expand your skill set in a supportive healthcare environment.
• Have the best of both worlds – a peaceful rural setting complemented by easy access to the vibrant City of Perth which is only an hour drive away!

Keen to know more detailed information about the salaries and benefits? Check out the medical practitioner salaries and benefits page.

Contact Information

For any inquiries, please contact Florence Van Schie, Clinical Director - Wheatbelt Mental Health on (08) 9621 0999 or via email at Florence.VanSchie@health.wa.gov.au.

Application Process

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

To complete the application, please apply online and submit 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).

Other Conditions

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce where every employee feels valued and empowered. We believe that a diverse team brings unique perspectives and drives innovation to meet our community’s needs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences to join us in shaping a more equitable future and as a measure to achieve equality, under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, encourage applications from people living with a disability, Aboriginal people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women and youth (24 years of age and under).

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.