The Role 

The Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) - Rapid Access Service (RAS) pilot is an integral senior clinical leadership role within the Older Persons Mental Health Service, providing timely assessment, consultation, care recommendations, follow-up review and support for older people experiencing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and provide ongoing education on the pilot to Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs). This position will have oversight of the pilot ensuring the referrals are actioned in a timely manner, accurate data is collected and documented appropriately and that the pilot is operating within the current model of care. Working in partnership with the Consultant Psychiatrist, Team Leader, multidisciplinary team, and key service providers, the CNC plays a key role in ensuring appropriate intervention for older Tasmanians experiencing BPSD in residential aged care homes. Wherever possible, the role supports older people to remain safely in their usual place of residence reducing avoidable hospital presentations and admissions. 

The Team

The Older Persons Mental Health Service (OPMHS) North/Northwest Community Team is a specialised multidisciplinary service supporting older Tasmanians to maintain their mental health, wellbeing, independence, and quality of life within their own homes and communities. As part of Tasmania’s Statewide Older Persons Mental Health Service, we provide assessment, treatment, consultation, and support for people experiencing mental illness, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, neurocognitive disorders, Huntington’s Disease, and complex mental health needs associated with ageing. Our team includes nursing, psychiatry, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, and allied health professionals who work collaboratively with consumers, families, carers, general practitioners, residential aged care providers, hospitals, and community services across the North and Northwest regions. 

The position is located at the Older Persons Community Mental Health Services North and Northwest and will require the successful applicant to travel to different locations across the Northern regions of Tasmania.

You will need 

• Demonstrated advanced level of clinical expertise specific to BPSD, and knowledge in the delivery and coordination of services similar to RAS, including assessment, triage and client centred care.
• Demonstrated sound working knowledge of leadership principles and an ability to provide clinical leadership and coordination of direct care services, within a multidisciplinary team environment and an ability to work independently with minimal direction. 
• Demonstrated high level interpersonal skills, including effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, as well as the demonstrated capacity to liaise, negotiate and communicate effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

Why Tasmania 

The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals across the state, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. Additionally, it provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.

Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.

Details of appointment

Fixed term, full time, day worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible for a period until 30th June 2027. 

*notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.

Location 

Launceston and Burnie - N/NW Tasmania

Salary

$118,297 to $125,543 per annum (Pro rata). Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.

• Salary range is in accordance with Nurses and Midwives (Tasmania State Service) Agreement 2023.

In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available: 

• Post Graduate Allowance of up to 10% based on qualification type 

Salary Packaging 

You’ll have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible. 

Benefits available to eligible candidates 

• Professional development.
• A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
• Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.
• Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities.  (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023). 

More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here

Eligibility

Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria 

• Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as a Registered Nurse
• Current Driver’s Licence

Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:

• Relevant postgraduate qualifications
• Previous experience in a leadership role, including working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team 

Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.

Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents

We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.

Statement of Duties: 

528284 Clinical Nurse Consultant - Rapid Access Service G6 (August 2023) CSU 0003.docx

Application Guide: 

Applicant Guide.docx

How to apply:

Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.

You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.

For more information:

Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.

Sophie Clear 
Director Statewide - Older Persons Mental Health Service
0427 722 503
sophie.clear@ths.tas.gov.au 

What it is like working at the Department of Health? 

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!

Move to Tasmania | Tasmanian

One Health Podcast - Spotify 

One Health Podcast - Apple 

Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian 

Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).

Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.