Chief Mental Health Nurse
Employment Type: Ongoing Full Time
Position Classification: Midwifery Manager Grade 9
Remuneration: $228,557.79- $231,505.87 plus superannuation
Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ706120
Closing Date: 30 November 2026
About us
- Our core values of collaboration, openness, respect and empowerment are more than just words. They are the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our work.
- While regular office presence is essential, we offer flexible work arrangements to support your needs.
- We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for all.
To learn more about the Ministry and the benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.
About the role
As the Chief Mental Health Nurse, you will provide expert strategic advice on issues affecting the mental health nursing workforce, including workforce capability, contemporary nursing practice and models of care across NSW public mental health services.
You will lead the development of statewide policies, strategies and initiatives that support mental health nursing practice, workforce reform and high-quality service delivery. Working with senior leaders, clinicians, peak bodies, universities and government partners, you will represent NSW at key state and national forums and influence complex mental health and nursing policy.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced mental health nursing leader to make a significant contribution to system-wide reform and strengthen the mental health nursing workforce across NSW.
For more information, please read the full Role Description.
What you will be doing
- Provide high-level and timely advice to senior executives on mental health nursing, workforce issues and care delivery.
- Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of statewide mental health nursing policies, strategies and workforce initiatives.
- Build strong partnerships across NSW Health, government, peak bodies, universities and the mental health sector.
- Provide strategic leadership to mental health nurses across NSW and support contemporary, evidence-informed models of care.
Represent NSW on state and national committees and contribute expert advice on complex mental health nursing and workforce matters.
About you
We are seeking an accomplished and highly respected mental health nursing leader who can support the work of NSW Health through:
- Current registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, with extensive experience in mental health clinical practice, senior management and leadership.
- Demonstrated expertise in policy analysis, development and evaluation, with the ability to influence the delivery of mental health services.
- Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary mental health practice, workforce challenges and major reforms within the NSW health system.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and negotiation skills, with experience influencing senior leaders and navigating complex and sensitive issues.
- A proven ability to lead organisational change, develop people and deliver strategic initiatives in a complex service environment.
How to apply
At the NSW Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of opportunities to grow your skills and career, surrounded by authentic, capable people and leaders.
Please review the role description and attach:
- an up-to-date resume of no more than five pages
- a short cover letter of one to two pages outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience meet its requirements
responses to the two target questions below, within a combined maximum of two pages.
Target questions
- Describe a significant mental health nursing workforce, policy or service reform initiative that you have led. What complexities did you navigate, how did you engage stakeholders and what outcomes were achieved?
- Provide an example of when you delivered strategic advice to senior executives or Ministers on a complex or sensitive mental health issue. How did you analyse the issue and balance competing perspectives and how was your advice received?
Use the Capability application tool | NSW Public Service Commission , provided by the NSW Public Service Commission, to help prepare your application and practise responses that effectively demonstrate your achievements.
For role-related queries or questions, contact Sally Lee at Sally.Lee1@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ706120.
As an organisation, we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Anu Kundu at anu.kundu@health.nsw.gov.au
For further information about workplace adjustments, please visit Adjustments for individual needs | I Work For NSW and Inclusive recruitment of people with disability | NSW Government
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
At the NSW Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment that reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of the LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For more information, please visit Diversity Inclusion Belonging
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or further information about applying, please visit the The Stepping Up Initiative.
To be eligible for employment, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Additional information
- This recruitment may be used to create a talent pool for similar future roles, whether ongoing or temporary, that may arise over the next 18 months.
- The selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to help determine candidates’ suitability for the role.
- The successful candidate must maintain current registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
- For more information about applying, please visit our our career portal.
