At Eldercare, our purpose is simple but powerful: to deliver peace of mind with our care.
At Eldercare, we are committed to delivering exceptional care and support to older South Australians. As one of the state's leading not-for-profit aged care providers, we foster a compassionate and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued.
By joining Eldercare, you'll become part of a team that prioritises integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. With a strong focus on learning and development, we'll support you as you grow your career.
About the Role
Eldercare is seeking a dynamic Mental Health Nurse Specialist to lead and enhance mental health care across our residential aged care homes throughout South Australia.
This pivotal leadership role is responsible for embedding a best-practice, person-centred approach to supporting older people living with mental illness. As a subject matter expert, you will drive excellence in clinical practice, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and champion Eldercare's Mental Health Approach.
Key aspects of the role include:
* Leadership & Capacity Building: Coach and develop clinical leaders and multidisciplinary staff to respond confidently and competently to the complex mental health needs of residents.
* Clinical Practice Improvement: Introduce and refine clinical pathways and equip staff to support both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies.
* Governance & Quality: Partner with the Clinical Management Group and Operations Clinical Governance Committee to align mental health initiatives with Eldercare's Clinical Governance Framework.
* Partnership & Collaboration: Build strong relationships with external services, research partners, and industry leaders to enhance service delivery and outcomes.
This is your opportunity to influence organisational practices, build team capacity, and directly improve the lives of residents with mental illness.
What You Will Bring:
* Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent) and registered with AHPRA
* Further qualifications in mental health nursing (for example, Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing) or working towards those qualifications.
* At least 12 months' post-graduate experience in mental health nursing
* Experience in leading best practice, person-centred mental health care for older people.
* Sound knowledge of mental health frameworks, person-centred care, and clinical governance.
* Proven ability to build mental health capability in aged care or multidisciplinary teams.
* Expertise in coaching and mentoring clinical and care staff.
* Advanced communication and interpersonal skills across diverse populations.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and high-level consultation skills.
* Demonstrated ability to lead change, analyse data, and implement practical improvements.
* Excellent time management, problem-solving and self-direction.
* Willingness to travel across Eldercare sites
Why Choose Eldercare?
* Not-for-profit salary packaging benefits
* Access to professional development
* Inclusive, respectful, and diverse workplace culture
* Commitment to staff safety, wellbeing, and inclusion
Ready to make a meaningful difference every day?
To find out more, contact Jane Vassallo, Specialist Nurse Manager on or email
To view the Job and Person Specification for this role please email
Applications will be considered as they are received and interviews may commence immediately.
To work for Eldercare, you are required to hold an acceptable National Police Clearance and comply with relevant vaccination requirements as per Eldercare policy which includes vaccination for both seasonal influenza and COVID-19.
Eldercare is proud to be a Rainbow Tick accredited organisation. We are committed to supporting our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) residents, employees and volunteers to ensure they feel included and safe. Regardless of their culture, religion, spirituality, age, gender, sexuality, disability, socio-economic background or personal experiences, our people are welcomed, included and respected.
Eldercare encourages respectful relationships and does not accept any form of genderbased violence in the workplace. Eldercare is committed to preventing violence against women and is proud to be a White Ribbon accredited workplace to support victims of abuse.
All employees can expect to receive fair and equal treatment and to be free from discrimination in all aspects of their life with Eldercare.