Psychiatrist Lead

Healthcare Australia (HCA) is a major provider of healthcare services across Australia, including allied health, primary care, recruitment, NDIS, care services, and training.

In December 2024, HCA began providing health, mental health, and wellbeing services across the onshore immigration detention network as HCA Primary Health Services (HCA PHS). Our team of nurses, General Practitioners, and allied health professionals offer a range of healthcare services, including health assessments, chronic disease management, health promotion, wound management, immunisations, and other primary health interventions.  HCA PHS also launched a 24/7 Virtual Care Centre (VCC), offering remote healthcare through telehealth and video consultations to enhance onsite care for detainees.

Job Description

HCA PHS is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Psychiatrist Lead to provide strategic clinical leadership and expert guidance in the delivery of mental health services across immigration detention settings. Reporting directly to the Chief Health Officer, this role plays a pivotal part in shaping mental health programs, improving service quality, and enhancing patient outcomes. This is a permanent part time position. (.6 FTE - 3 days per week)

Join us in bringing a new approach to medical and wellbeing care for detainees by:

The Psychiatrist Lead will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality mental health and psychiatric care that meets the diverse needs of patients within immigration detention settings. This role involves leading and mentoring a team of psychiatrists and clinical staff, fostering professional development and promoting best practice standards.

A key focus will be the development and implementation of innovative mental health programs aimed at enhancing patient care and outcomes. Additionally, the Psychiatrist Lead will oversee quality improvement initiatives by monitoring and evaluating clinical practices to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and driving continuous improvement in service delivery.

The role also includes representing HCA PHS in senior-level meetings, including engagement with the Department of Home Affairs, to advocate for clinical excellence and contribute to strategic decision-making.

Let's talk about you

We are seeking a candidate with experience working with vulnerable populations, ideally within immigration detention or correctional health settings. Alongside a clinical background in psychiatry, the successful applicant will have demonstrated experience in clinical leadership or senior advisory roles.

The role requires excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to represent Healthcare Australia Primary Health Services in engagements with external stakeholders. Strong leadership and management capabilities are vital, along with superior clinical decision-making skills and the ability to effectively communicate clinical risks and recommendations to a range of audiences, including clinical staff, patients, and executive teams.

An understanding of, and sensitivity to, the cultural and social factors that impact mental health care is essential. The ideal candidate will be adaptable and capable of working effectively in complex and challenging healthcare environments

You'll bring your passion for mental health and be rewarded with:

• A chance to work within a well-respected Australian organisation with over 1000 employees, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
• Being part of a purpose-driven organisation making a real impact
• Working in a dynamic and supportive leadership environment
• Discounted Bupa Health Insurance
• Birthday leave – this is your paid, special day off to celebrate, relax and make the most of your birthday

If you have any questions or further assistance about the role , please contact Ana Colina on 

Veterans are encouraged to apply. At HCA we are committed to embracing diversity and committed to providing a safe working environment.