Mental Health Nurse Navigator

Mental Health Nurse Navigator - Emergency Department

Requisition No: 4064

Executive Division: Operations

Program: Mental Health Services

Department: ECATT/PARC/CL - MWAMHS

Enterprise Agreement: Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise

Job Function: Mental Health

Project:

- Location: Sunshine or Footscray Hospital

- Employment Type: Ongoing, Full-Time or Part-Time

- Salary: RPN Grade 5 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging

About the role:

We are seeking an experienced mental health nurse with advanced clinical expertise to support safety and acute intervention planning for consumers who present to Western Health emergency departments.

The role is responsible for supporting the existing staffing profile of the Sunshine and Footscray EDs, to assist in management for the arrival and initial care for consumers who present with Behaviors of Concern, with the underlying cause of mental and physical state deterioration. The ED Mental Health Nurse Navigator will play a key role in supporting clinicians to provide initial care that leads to de-escalation, while assessing for risk that supports decision making about the consumers’ most appropriate pathway of care. The role involves working collaboratively with emergency clinicians, Emergency Mental Health clinicians (EMH), Victoria Police Officers, Ambulance Victoria paramedics, and community mental health clinicians.

The ED Mental Health Nurse Navigator will demonstrate clinical expertise; utilise strategic and creative thinking with respect to health care alternatives, with the aim of improving patient outcomes through early intervention and disposition and reducing avoidable admissions and extended lengths of stay within the ED.

About you:

- 5 years minimum post basic experience

- Clinical experience in Emergency Mental Health

- Demonstrated understanding of working with mental health consumers, including appropriate supports, therapeutic engagement, assessment and evidence-based interventions

- Demonstrated understanding of de-escalation principles when working with people who are distressed or experiencing mental illness

- Sound working knowledge of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022

- Knowledge of recovery-oriented care and trauma informed care frameworks

- Possess well-highly developed interpersonal skills including conflict resolution strategies

- A commitment to high quality, safe and person-centred patient care

- Capability to innovate and drive sustainable change

Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.

We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.

We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges.

Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall.

Compensation and benefits

- Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.

- Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.

- Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.

Learning and development opportunities

- Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways.

- Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.

- Mentorship and career support.

Community impact and inclusion

- Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care.

- Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.

- Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.

Organisational culture and environment

- Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.

- Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re passionate about person-centred care, mental health advocacy, and supporting early intervention in high-pressure environments, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts.

If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.

Closing date: 11:59pm on 14 November 2025.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Kathleen Kelly (Operations Manager - Acute) via Kathleen.Kelly@wh.org.au.

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).

Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.

Western Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.

#J-18808-Ljbffr