Director of Psychiatry

Director of Psychiatry

Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS)

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is seeking a strong and experienced leader for the position of Director of Psychiatry to join the Mental Health Central Office. 

Location: Central Office, 6-8 Bennett Street, East Perth 6004

This is a sessional position for 12 months at 0.6 FTE with the possibility of extension(s).   

Sessional Year 1- 9: $790.09 - $1,003.40*

*The above salary is as per WA Health System Medical Practitioners AMA Industrial Agreement 2024 (inclusive of base salary, PD allowance and 12% superannuation). This is subject to the assessment of qualifications, clinical skills and years of practice. 

About Mental Health Central Office (MHCO)

The WACHS Mental Health Central Office (MHCO) is a skilled and dynamic team that brings together a diverse range of cultural, consumer, peer, and clinical perspectives. This breadth of experience enables MHO to effectively support mental health, alcohol, and other drug (AOD) service delivery across country WA, while ensuring accountability and high standards of care.

The MHCO is responsible for a wide range of key functions, including:

• Strategic planning and service reform – shaping the future of mental health and AOD services to meet community needs.
• Workforce development – supporting the growth, capability, and sustainability of the mental health workforce.
• Safety, quality, and service improvement – ensuring services are safe, effective, and continuously improving.
• Performance monitoring – overseeing and evaluating service delivery and outcomes.
• Communication – facilitating clear and effective communication across services and stakeholders.
• Cultural, corporate and clinical governance – upholding high standards of corporate management and fidelity, culturally‑responsive and clinically‑sound care.
• Provide subject matter expertise on mental health and AOD issues to all of WACHS staff and other key stakeholders

The MHCO also collaborates closely with the Command Centre, providing virtual support and advice to clinicians and consumers who require guidance around care and treatment.

A strong focus on diversity and inclusion is embedded within MHCO’s work. The team actively develops and implements initiatives that enhance employment, mentoring, and professional opportunities for people across all occupational groups, fostering a workforce that is inclusive, and representative of the communities served.

About The Role

As the Director of Psychiatry ICAMHS, you will provide senior leadership, expert clinical governance, and strategic oversight for all Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services across WACHS. Working collaboratively with the Executive Director Mental Health, Executive Director Medical Services, District Directors, Directors of Psychiatry, and the Command Centre, you will ensure services are safe, contemporary, evidence‑based, and equitable.

This is a unique opportunity to influence service models, strengthen workforce capability, and drive innovation across one of Australia’s largest and most diverse health services.

Why Join Us?

This role is ideal for someone who wants to make a meaningful and lasting impact. You will:

• Shape services that improve the lives of infants, children, young people, and families, particularly in rural and remote communities.
• Work in a senior leadership position that blends clinical influence, strategic vision, and service redesign.
• Collaborate with passionate leaders and multidisciplinary teams who are committed to innovation and excellence.
• Drive workforce development and contribute to building a strong, skilled mental health workforce.
• Lead initiatives that embrace digital care, new models of service, and modern approaches to mental health delivery.

If you are motivated by equity, clinical excellence, and the chance to deliver transformative change in complex and diverse settings, this is the role for you!

The Successful Candidates Will:   

• Be eligible for registration by the Medical Board of Australia.
• Hold fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and Certificate of Advanced Training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or approved equivalent or currently working toward the same.
• Possess skills and experience in leadership and management of Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
• Have demonstrated knowledge of the principles, intent and application of WA Mental Health Act 2014 legislation.

Benefits of working with WACHS Mental Health Central Office:

• Access to generous salary packaging arrangements. 
• Generous leave entitlements.  
• Professional development opportunities. 
• Flexible working arrangements. 

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

Contact Information

For any inquiries, please contact Dr Hayden Wilson Director of Psychiatry (ICAMHS) – Mental Health on 0456508683 or via email at Hayden.Wilson@health.wa.gov.au.

Application Process

To complete the application, please apply online and submit the following documents:

• A statement must address each of the Work-Related Essential Selection 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).

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

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.

Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on, or after, 4:00PM will not be accepted.