About the business

The Far West Local Health District is seeking a Clinical Director, Psychiatry to join our integrated Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol (MHDA) team in 2019. The position is based in Broken Hill, New South Wales and provides support to MHDA services throughout Far West Local Health District (LHD). The applicant should hold a Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

About the role

The position would suit someone with an interest in remote mental health and Aboriginal health. Far West LHD provides great opportunities for career development and research. There is potential for an academic appointment. Innovative models of remote psychiatry practice are encouraged.

Far West LHD spans the South Australian border between Queensland and Victoria and has a population of approximately 30,000. As an outback region, it offers interesting geography and history, as well as a vibrant arts community, affordable housing, good schools and a great work life balance. There are daily flights to major cities from Broken Hill and Mildura on our southern border.

MHDA services in Broken Hill consist of a six bed Mental Health Inpatient Unit, a ten bed Mental Health Recovery Centre, two integrated Community Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Teams, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and a Magistrates' Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program. Outreach MHDA services are provided to smaller communities in the region in conjunction with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Aboriginal Health Services.

Benefits and perks

Responsibilities of this role includes providing clinical leadership for MHDA services,  specialist psychiatry inpatient and outpatient care, participation in the after-hours on-call roster, education and supervision of junior staff and some administrative duties. 

An attractive remuneration package can be negotiated; which can include additional leave, education allowance, flights and furnished housing. 

Skills and experience

Eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia in a category consistent with the role and responsibilities of a Staff Specialist.

Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists or other specialist recognition as provided for in the Staff Specialist (State) Award or other specialist recognition as provided for under the Health Insurance Act 1973.

Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.Demonstrated technical and professional competence in the specialty, including appropriate and recent hospital experience within the specialty

Demonstrated participation in and commitment to quality improvement and accreditation activities relevant to the specialty.

Demonstrated commitment to and participation in teaching of other health professionals, including staff and doctors in training.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multi- disciplinary health care team.

Demonstrated commitment to continuing medical education relevant to rural specialist practice.