Clinical Nurse Specialist - SDCU

Uniting NSW & ACT; Penrith; On-site; AUD 67,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Discounts via U rewards program

Fitness Passport

Job summary

Uniting NSW.ACT in Penrith is seeking an experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist to lead a new Specialist Dementia Care Unit. You will shape the model of care, build a dedicated team and deliver person-centred dementia care on the floor with strong partnerships into local health district.

The role emphasizes clinical leadership, governance and ongoing quality improvement in a not-for-profit aged care setting, with salary packaging and support for professional development.

Qualifications

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Substantial clinical experience in dementia care, gerontology or residential aged care.
• Experience supporting people with complex dementia-related care and behavioural support needs.
• Strong clinical leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to educate, coach and influence multidisciplinary practice.
• Confidence working alongside care staff in a hands-on residential care environment.
• Sound knowledge of aged care standards, clinical governance, risk management and quality improvement.
• A compassionate and respectful approach to working with residents, families and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Be actively present on the floor, supporting staff to deliver appropriate, timely and person-centred care.
• Assist residents with daily living activities and care needs when required.
• Identify and respond to changes in residents’ health, behaviours or care needs, escalating concerns appropriately.
• Work alongside care staff, providing practical guidance, coaching and hands-on assistance to support the smooth delivery of daily care.
• Lead contemporary, evidence-based and person-centred dementia care.
• Guide comprehensive assessments, individualised care planning and complex clinical reviews.
• Champion positive behaviour support and non-pharmacological approaches to distress and unmet needs.
• Coach and support staff to build confidence and capability in specialist dementia care.
• Promote each resident’s dignity, identity, choice and independence.
• Build trusted partnerships with residents, families and representatives.
• Lead clinical governance, risk management and continuous quality improvement within the unit

Skills

AHPRA registration

Dementia care

Gerontology

Residential aged care

Clinical leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education & coaching

Multidisciplinary practice

Quality improvement

Clinical governance

Empathy & respect

Education

Postgraduate qualifications in dementia care / leadership

Job description

Clinical Nurse Specialist | Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Lead care that sees the person, not the diagnosis.

Employment type: Permanent Full-Time

Rate: $59.21 per hour + superannuation

Benefits: Not-for-profit salary packaging available

About the opportunity

Uniting Edinglassie Lodge is a 69-bed residential aged care home in the Penrith area, with nine beds transitioning to a new Specialist Dementia Care Unit in early January.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Clinical Nurse Specialist to help bring this new specialist service to life.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the unit from the beginning. You will help establish the model of care, strengthen the capability of a dedicated care team and create an environment where residents living with severe and complex dementia are understood, respected and supported to experience dignity, purpose and quality of life.

The home is close to public transport, with street parking available.

About the role

As the Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will provide expert dementia-care leadership and day-to-day clinical coordination within the SDCU. You will work in partnership with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, drawing on specialist expertise and support to help deliver contemporary, evidence-based dementia care.

This is a visible and hands-on role. You will work alongside the team on the floor, helping ensure residents receive timely, compassionate and person-centred support throughout their day.

Working closely with the Nurse Unit Manager, residents, families, care staff, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and other multidisciplinary partners, you will:

• Be actively present on the floor, supporting staff to deliver appropriate, timely and person-centred care.
• Assist residents with daily living activities and care needs when required.
• Identify and respond to changes in residents’ health, behaviours or care needs, escalating concerns appropriately.
• Work alongside care staff, providing practical guidance, coaching and hands-on assistance to support the smooth delivery of daily care.
• Lead contemporary, evidence-based and person-centred dementia care.
• Guide comprehensive assessments, individualised care planning and complex clinical reviews.
• Champion positive behaviour support and non-pharmacological approaches to distress and unmet needs.
• Coach and support staff to build confidence and capability in specialist dementia care.
• Promote each resident’s dignity, identity, choice and independence.
• Build trusted partnerships with residents, families and representatives.
• Lead clinical governance, risk management and continuous quality improvement within the unit

About you

You are an experienced Registered Nurse with advanced dementia-care knowledge and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of older people.

You are comfortable providing specialist clinical leadership while remaining closely connected to residents and the team delivering their day-to-day care. You lead with compassion, curiosity and respect, and you are willing to step in and provide practical support when it is needed.

You will bring:

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Substantial clinical experience in dementia care, gerontology or residential aged care.
• Experience supporting people with complex dementia-related care and behavioural support needs.
• Strong clinical leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to educate, coach and influence multidisciplinary practice.
• Confidence working alongside care staff in a hands-on residential care environment.
• Sound knowledge of aged care standards, clinical governance, risk management and quality improvement.
• A compassionate and respectful approach to working with residents, families and colleagues.

Relevant postgraduate qualifications and previous senior clinical leadership experience will be highly regarded.

Why join Uniting Edinglassie Lodge?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a new specialist dementia service while being supported by an established residential care team and connected local health partners.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Influence the development of the SDCU's model of care from its earliest stages.
• Lead and build specialist dementia-care capability within dedicated team.
• Develop meaningful partnerships across aged care, health and specialist dementia services.
• Access ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to innovation, quality improvement and better outcomes for residents and families.
• Make a tangible difference in the lives of residents living with severe and complex dementia.

What we offer you

• A rewarding career with a leading human services organisation.
• Up to $18,550 NFP salary packaging available.
• Access to our U rewards program with exclusive discounts.
• Access to Fitness Passport – Live your best life.
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• A commitment to offer opportunities to grow your career.
• Purchase of additional leave.

What to expect

Please know that employment with Uniting will require a National Police Check, and Reference Checks.

Who is Uniting

Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Empowered by diversity

At Uniting, inclusion isn't just something we value – it's how we work. Our culture and practice reflect the vibrant diversity of our colleagues, and the clients and communities we serve.