Overview
Director, Acute Mental Health – Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Acute Inpatient Mental Health | Sydney NSW Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking psychiatrist to lead our Acute Mental Health Services. This executive‑level position offers the opportunity to influence clinical excellence, service innovation, and patient outcomes across one of Australia’s most diverse and rapidly expanding regions. About the Role
The Director, Acute Mental Health is a key member of the Mental Health Services Executive Leadership Team. Reporting to the Executive Medical Director, Mental Health, the role provides strategic, operational, and clinical leadership across adult inpatient mental health services at Westmead, Cumberland, and Blacktown Hospitals. The position oversees clinical governance, workforce development, service planning, accreditation, and quality improvement across the acute inpatient portfolio. What This Role Offers You
This position provides a significant platform for psychiatrists seeking senior leadership, service development experience, or progression into broader executive roles within NSW Health. Strategic leadership across major acute inpatient units
— Shape clinical direction, service models, and workforce planning across multiple hospital sites, directly influencing the quality of mental health care delivered to the Western Sydney community.
Executive‑level exposure and influence
— Work closely with senior leaders across WSLHD, strengthening your capability in governance, policy, and system‑wide decision‑making.
Academic and training opportunities
— Engage with the University of Sydney, HETI, and RANZCP to support psychiatric training, accreditation, and research, contributing to the development of the next generation of mental health clinicians.
A collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
— Lead and mentor clinicians, trainees, and medical staff within a culture that values respect, high performance, and continuous improvement.
Career advancement and professional growth
— Gain experience in complex service redesign, clinical governance, and executive leadership, positioning you for future roles such as Director of Clinical Services or Executive Medical Director.
Meaningful community impact
— Contribute to improved mental health outcomes for a diverse and growing population, supporting WSLHD’s commitment to high‑quality, person‑centred, recovery‑oriented care.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic and operational leadership across acute inpatient mental health services.
Ensure delivery of safe, high‑quality, evidence‑based psychiatric care.
Lead Clinical Directors and medical staff, supporting performance, development, and workforce planning.
Advise on governance, policy, financial performance, and service planning.
Strengthen partnerships with universities, training bodies, and community mental health services.
Promote a respectful, collaborative workplace culture aligned with the Senior Medical Staff Charter.
Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, supervision, and research.
Drive quality improvement, risk management, and clinical governance initiatives.
Participate in on‑call rosters and provide specialist psychiatric care as required.
About You
The successful candidate will be a senior psychiatrist with demonstrated leadership capability and a commitment to high‑quality, patient‑centred mental health care. You will bring: Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (or equivalent) and AHPRA specialist registration.
Extensive experience in adult psychiatry, including acute inpatient care.
Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in complex clinical environments.
Commitment to teaching, supervision, research, and continuous improvement.
Understanding of clinical governance, accreditation, and service planning.
A collaborative leadership style aligned with WSLHD values.
Why Join WSLHD?
WSLHD provides care across Westmead, Cumberland, Auburn, Blacktown, and Mount Druitt, serving one of Australia’s most culturally diverse populations. The district is committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional mental health care. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to major service developments and influence the future of mental health care across Western Sydney. Employment Conditions
Appointment will be under the
Staff Specialists (State) Award
or the
Public Hospitals (Visiting Medical Officers Sessional Contracts) Determination 2014, depending on classification. How to Apply
Please email your Resume along with a Cover Letter to Paige Stevenson - Workforce Operations Consultant - paige.stevenson@healthx.com.au or alternatively via phone on 0477 491 060.
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