Associate Nursing Unit Manager

Sentio Recruit; Geelong; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sentio Recruit is assisting a Victorian forensic mental health service to recruit an Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM). This is a brand-new leadership role within an expanding acute and sub-acute service, offering an opportunity to influence service development and team culture.

You will lead high-impact clinical practice, oversee staffing and resources, and coach nurses delivering recovery-focused care to individuals with complex needs and offending-related risks.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years mental health nursing experience.
• 2+ years in team leadership, acting ANUM or senior clinician.
• Current APHRA registration as a Registered Nurse.
• Experience in forensic mental health, acute inpatient or secure services.
• Based in Australia and eligible to work permanently.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership within a brand-new ANUM role in acute/sub-acute forensic mental health.
• Drive trauma-informed safety initiatives and clinical governance.
• Oversee unit staffing, resources, and coaching of nursing staff.
• Lead responses to clinical incidents and emergencies with sound judgement.

Skills

Leadership

Crisis management

De-escalation

Clinical governance

Job description

About the Opportunity

Are you a values‑driven Registered Psychiatric Nurse looking to deepen your expertise and contribute to a service undergoing significant growth? With multiple positions available, this is a chance to join an expanding specialist forensic mental health service at a pivotal moment in its development.

The Role

We are seeking an Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM) to take on a brand‑new leadership role within our expanding acute and sub‑acute specialist forensic mental health service. This is an opportunity to influence service development, shape team culture, and lead high‑impact clinical practice. You bring proven frontline leadership capability, advanced mental health expertise, strong knowledge of forensic legislation, and highly developed de‑escalation and crisis‑management skills.

In this collaborative leadership role, you will drive trauma‑informed safety initiatives, uphold high standards of clinical governance, and lead responses to clinical incidents and emergencies. You will oversee unit staffing and resources while coaching and supporting nurses delivering recovery‑focused care to individuals with complex mental health needs and offending‑related risks.

You are a respected and confident leader who inspires your team, fosters a positive and safe work culture, and demonstrates emotional resilience, compassion, and sound judgement under pressure. You thrive in dynamic environments and can manage highly complex clinical and operational workloads.

Key Selection Criteria

• Minimum 3+ year’s mental health nursing experience.
• Additional 2+ year’s team leader, acting ANUM or senior clinician.
• Current APHRA as a Registered Nurse.
• Experience within a forensic mental health, acute inpatient/intensive psychiatry or secure mental health services.
• Currently living and working in Australia
• Permanent full-time position with a generous salary package + penalties.
• Professional development, education, and clinical supervision programs supporting diverse career opportunities.
• Opportunity to contribute to a newly expanded service within an innovative organisation.
• A values-led organisation committed to patient recovery and wellbeing.
• Interstate relocation financial support up to $2,500.