Clinical Nurse Specialist - Mental Health Short Stay Unit (MHSSU)
Department of Health Tasmania – Hobart TAS
Are you ready to make a real impact in mental health care? Join the Royal Hobart Hospital's Mental Health Short Stay Unit (MHSSU) and be part of a team dedicated to transforming lives. The Mental Health Short Stay Unit is a 6-bed mental health ward at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Why this role matters
* Collaborate with MHSSU staff, the Emergency Department, Alcohol & Drug Services, and Community Mental Health Services to deliver better outcomes for in crisis.
* Act as the clinical expert and trusted resource for nursing, medical, and allied health teams managing complex mental health presentations, including dual diagnoses.
* Drive innovation by supporting the Rethink Mental Health Plan, the Tasmanian Mental Health Reform Program, and other key initiatives shaping the future of care.
The Role
* Deliver expert mental health care and advice based on best practice.
* Use specialist assessment tools to improve outcomes for patients in crisis.
* Guide and support medical, nursing, and allied health teams in complex decision‑making.
* Coordinate safe transfers, discharges, and access to the right services at the right time.
* Build strong partnerships across emergency, inpatient, community, and specialist services.
* Provide ongoing education and leadership in managing mental health and comorbidity.
What you will need
* Demonstrated high level skills, knowledge and clinical expertise in Mental Health nursing in the acute setting with preferably at least five years' postgraduate clinical nursing experience.
* Advanced written and oral communication, liaison, interpersonal and counselling skills within a multidisciplinary team environment, including the ability to function confidently and negotiate recommendations for patient care across a wide range of stakeholder groups.
* Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and documentation, including the Mental Health Act 2013, Right to Information Act, Work Health & Safety legislation, relevant statutory requirements and departmental policies and procedures.
Benefits
* Travel and relocation assistance support up to $15,000 for eligible appointees from overseas, and up to $10,000 for appointees from interstate.
* Professional development and accelerated pathways.
* Leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
* Fitness Passport – access to 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.
Salary and Working Hours
Salary range: $109,767 to $115,813 per annum, with 12% superannuation contribution. Salary may include a Post Graduate Allowance of up to 10 % based on qualification type. Working hours up to 76 hours per fortnight, full‑time shift worker positions.
How to apply
Apply Online. 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 is not required.
Note: Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. Applications close Sunday 11 January 2026, 11:55 pm AEDT.
Contact
Dacena Davis
Clinical Nurse Consultant – Mental Health Short Stay Unit (MHSSU)
Phone: 6166 7524
Email: ************@ths.tas.gov.au
#J-18808-Ljbffr