Employment Type - Permanent Full Time Hours per fortnight - 80 Job Category - Nursing - Registered Nurse (Div 1) Req Id - 8008
o Lead a new youth mental health service from the ground up
o Shape a recovery-focused model improving outcomes for young people
o Join a globally recognised leader in innovative public mental health care
About the role
Barwon Health is launching a Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) service. An innovative, 10-bed sub-acute residential program supporting young people (16–25) as an alternative to hospital admission or as a step-down from inpatient care.
YPARC delivers recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, youth mental health care in a 24/7 supported, home-like environment focused on functional recovery, independence, and community connection.
As the inaugural Nurse Unit Manager (NUM), you will lead the establishment, workforce, and clinical model, setting the standard for high-quality care and team culture.
Key Responsibilities
o Lead step-up/step-down patient flow to support timely access
o Provide hands-on clinical leadership and decision-making
o Build and lead a multidisciplinary team, including clinical, non-clinical and lived experience workforce
o Embed evidence-based, recovery-oriented practice
What We Are Looking For
You are an experienced mental health nurse leader with a strong commitment to youth mental health and recovery-oriented practice. You bring proven ability to lead teams, manage clinical risk, and deliver high-quality care in complex environments.
You are a visible, hands-on leader who supports your team, drives best practice, and builds capability. Experience in service development, sub-acute care, or youth settings will be highly regarded.
This is an opportunity to build and shape a new service, delivering meaningful outcomes for young people and the broader community.
Position Description
Please note Barwon Health will only contact you via our official email and never use unconventional means, such as text messaging or other services.
Barwon Health staff benefits
* Excellent working conditions and a strong sense of job satisfaction
* A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
* Extensive professional development opportunities
* Attractive salary packaging benefits
o Living expenses capped at $9,010
o Meals and entertainment capped at $2,650
For more information about working at Barwon Health, please click Here
Diversity and Inclusion
Barwon Health is an inclusive and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We value and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities, family structures, and identities, and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
Child Safety We are strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Click here for further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards: About Child Safe Standards | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au)
Additional information If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at
All appointments are subject to:
* Satisfactory Police Record Check
* Immunisation Status Clearance
* Working with Children Check (if applicable)
To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position in line with the requirements of the position description. Please note: We do not accept resumes via email.
Barwon Health does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Candidates must apply directly through the official recruitment portal.
Contact person: Kirsty Taggart | Program Manager | Acute Intervention Services | MHDAS | Barwon Health
Email:
Phone: 0494352304
Application closing date: Monday 18, May 2026