Staff Specialist - Youth Mental Health - Headspace - Permanent/Temporary Part-time (Apply via eCredential)

Applications close: 05/09/2026

For role related queries or questions contact Dr Matthew Thomason 0427 440 881or via email on [email protected]

About The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists for Staff Specialist Psychiatrists to join a new and innovative initiative aimed at transforming youth mental health services across South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD). The successful candidates will work across Headspace centres in Bankstown, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Oran Park in collaboration with Local Health District services and primary care providers. These roles are part of a region-wide strategy to improve outcomes for young people with severe and complex mental health needs.

Key focus areas of the initiative include:

Enhancing early access to mental health care for young people presenting to Headspace with complex needs

Facilitating effective transitions between youth services as required

Bridging the gap between primary care and specialist services through strategic partnerships, regional planning, and systemic reform.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to service development, regional integration, and innovative care models that directly improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in South Western Sydney. Join us in shaping the future of youth mental health.

Life at South Western Sydney Local Health District is rewarding, progressive and diverse and is always focused on achieving our Vision of Leading Care, Healthier Communities.

What You'll be doing

This position is for a Staff Specialist in Child & Adolescent or Youth Mental Health working across the Local Health District in Headspace Bankstown, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Oran Park. The position is for a period of 12 months but has the possibility of being extended without further advertising or interview. Provide clinical management and treatment of patients in a SWSLHD facility under your care. This care will be provided within the clinical privileges granted by the Chief Executive (CE) on the advice of the SWSLHD Medical and Dental Appointments Advisory Committee (MDAAC).

Where You'll Be Working
SWSLHD Community Mental Health Services provide comprehensive, community-based mental health care across South Western Sydney.

These services cater to different age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and older persons, ensuring specialised care throughout various life stages. The multidisciplinary teams offer a range of supports, including mental health assessments, crisis intervention, care coordination, and therapy. They work closely with inpatient services, GPs, and other community organisations to provide holistic care.

The focus on community health and wellbeing makes SWSLHD Community Mental Health Services an ideal place to work, providing opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please ensure you address the below questions as thoroughly as possible. View our application guide for information on how to respond to criteria and improve your application.

1. Current medical practitioner, registered, or eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia and Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) and/or equivalent specialist recognition as provided under the Staff Specialists (State) Award.

2. Demonstrated current clinical practice of a high standard and ability to adapt clinical practice in accordance with contemporary evidence based best practice

3. Demonstrated commitment to quality improvement, patient safety, and risk management.

4. Demonstrated participation in teaching and training at undergraduate and/or post graduate level.

5. Demonstrated commitment to continuing self-education and development, including evidence of participation in continuing medical education / continuing professional development

6. Demonstrated ability to comply with the service objectives of a public health organisation, including the provision of services to the local community, effective utilisation of resources, and preparedness to participate in the provision of health services at District level

7. Preparedness to participate in a hospital, service or LHD on-call roster

8. Evidence of ability to work cooperatively with other staff and practitioners and in a multidisciplinary health care team.

Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description

Diversity, Culture & Inclusion

• We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to accessibility and a supportive recruitment experience. If you require adjustments or assistance during the application process, please contact mailto:[email protected]@health.nsw.gov.au or mailto:[email protected]@health.nsw.gov.au.
• We value the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our workforce and are committed to fostering a respectful and welcoming environment. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, neurodivergent individuals, those from Refugee, multicultural and multifaith backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.

• Aboriginal Workforce
  • For Aboriginal candidates who would like to talk to our Aboriginal Workforce Team, please contact mailto:[email protected] [email protected] . Support is also available through the https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx Stepping Up website .

More Than Just a Job - Why Work With Us?

• Financial Perks
  • 12% superannuation
  • Salary packaging and novated leasing via https://nswhealth.smartsalary.com.au/Smart Salary
  • Annual leave with 17.5% leave loading (for full-time and part-time staff)
  • One extra day off each month for full-time employees
• Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible work options, including hybrid and varied hours (depending on the role)
  • Paid maternity and parental leave
  • Generous leave options like long service and carers leave
• Grow Your Career
  • Access to learning opportunities through our dedicated https://www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/eods/ Education and Organisational Development team, who support staff with training, workshops, and career development programs.
• Health & Wellbeing
  • Discounted gym membership through https://cloudflare.fitnesspassport.com.au/ Fitness Passport
  • Free and confidential support for staff and their families via our Staff Wellbeing and Support Service (EAP)
  • Wellbeing programs that promote mental health, resilience, and balance

Additional Information

• Temporary visa holders
  • May be considered if no suitable citizen or permanent resident is found.
• Vaccination Requirements
  • All staff must meet NSW https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/Pages/doc.aspx?dn=PD2024_015 Health's vaccination and screening requirements before starting.
• Child Safe Employment
  • South Western Sydney Local Health District is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-schemeChild Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.