Head of Unit Custodial Unit

• Location: Dame Phyllis Frost Centre
• Employment Type: Ongoing, Part Time
• Salary: HN15-64

About the role

As the Medical Head of Unit, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the strategic, clinical, and operational aspects of the primary healthcare services at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (DPFC). Based at DPFC, this role provides an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a patient cohort marked by complex health needs, trauma and disadvantage. You'll join a dedicated, multidisciplinary team in a progressive model of care that prioritises women's health, chronic disease management and the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

The Medical Health of Unit drive's clinical excellence, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and broad-reaching partnerships across Government Departments and Health Networks in Victoria.

The role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of patient safety, outcomes, and satisfaction, as well as working collaboratively to lead innovation in innovations in health care for this complex and disadvantaged patient community.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide clinical leadership and mentorship to the medical team
• Works closely with the Clinical Lead to oversee patient management strategies and care pathways
• Collaborate with executive leadership to shape unit strategy and innovation, and partnerships with Justice Health
• Ensure leadership in compliance with healthcare regulations, policies, and quality benchmarks
• Lead audits, quality improvement initiatives, and performance evaluations
• Support education, training, and research within the unit

About you:

• Fellowship of an Australian medical speciuality college and Specialist medical qualification with current registration including FRACP, FACEM, FRACGP or FACRRM
• Proven leadership experience in a hospital or clinical setting
• Strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous improvement
• Excellent communication, team-building, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage clinical and administrative responsibilities
• Strong committment to sound clinical governance

Position Description

About Western Health

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.

Why join us?

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 women's health and delivering care to some of Victoria's most marginalised communities, 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 27 August 2025.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Assoc. Professor Craig Nelson via

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.