Nurse Unit Manager Level 1 - Mental Health Services

Western Sydney Local Health District; Sydney; On-site; AUD 83,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Sydney Local Health District seeks a Nurse Unit Manager Level 1 at Cumberland Hospital to lead nursing services and deliver person-centred care in a high-quality mental health facility.

The role is temporary full-time (up to 12 months) with a remuneration of $72.62 per hour and a 38-hour week, based at Cumberland Hospital in North Parramatta. Registration with AHPRA is essential, and the team emphasizes professional development and safe, innovative care.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate nursing qualifications in specialty or management, or working towards same.
• Ability to lead change and balance competing demands.
• Ability to motivate, manage and develop nursing/midwifery staff.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to assess nursing/resource requirements and utilisation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of nursing care to achieve positive, individualised patient outcomes.
• Provide leadership, guidance and mentorship to nursing staff, fostering professional capability, accountability and a supportive team culture.
• Maintain high standards of clinical practice, patient safety and holistic care in accordance with professional standards, legislation and NSW Health policies.
• Coordinate workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction, performance development, professional reviews and resource management.
• Manage competing clinical priorities, support change initiatives and promote efficient patient flow while maintaining quality care and an exceptional patient experience.

Job description

Lead a dedicated team delivering high-quality mental health care shape patient care and service excellence in a leading mental health facility. Grow your leadership career within Western Sydney Local Health District. Manage clinical services, empower nursing teams and drive safe, innovative and person-centred care at Cumberland Hospital.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (up to 12 months). Position Classification: Nurse Unit Manager Level 1. Remuneration: $72.62 per hour. Hours Per Week: 38. Location: Cumberland Hospital.

Where you'll be working: Join Cumberland Hospital, part of Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), located in North Parramatta. As NSW's largest and Australia's oldest mental health facility, Cumberland has a proud history of delivering comprehensive mental health services to local and broader communities, from primary to tertiary care.

• Be part of a progressive health service committed to transforming mental health care through innovation, collaboration and professional excellence.
• Work within a diverse mental health service delivering care across a broad range of clinical needs and complexities.
• Be part of an organisation contributing to the development of the major new Integrated Mental Health Complex at Westmead.
• Join a collaborative multidisciplinary environment that values respect, empowerment, innovation and quality.
• Access opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and career progression.
• Contribute to a workplace guided by the WSLHD CORE Values, where people, partnerships and outstanding patient care matter.

What you'll be doing

As Nurse Unit Manager Level 1, you will provide clinical and operational leadership, coordinating patient services and managing nursing resources to deliver safe, effective and person-centred mental health care. You will foster a positive workplace culture, support your team's professional development and ensure the delivery of high-quality clinical services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of nursing care to achieve positive, individualised patient outcomes.
• Provide leadership, guidance and mentorship to nursing staff, fostering professional capability, accountability and a supportive team culture.
• Maintain high standards of clinical practice, patient safety and holistic care in accordance with professional standards, legislation and NSW Health policies.
• Coordinate workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction, performance development, professional reviews and resource management.
• Manage competing clinical priorities, support change initiatives and promote efficient patient flow while maintaining quality care and an exceptional patient experience.

Essential Requirements

Registration: Current registration as a Registered Nurse with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated relevant clinical nursing experience with postgraduate nursing qualifications in specialty or management, or working towards same
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and to balance competing demands.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, manage and develop nursing/midwifery staff
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven ability to assess nursing/ resource requirements and utilisation

Requisition ID: REQ701719

Applications Close: 16th November 2026

Need more information?

• Find out more about applying for this position.
• Review the detailed Position Description for insights into role requirements and criteria.
• Explore the selection process, employment checks, outcomes and notifications.
• For inquiries about the role, contact Jason Selmon on [e-mail]

People with disabilities who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; and where required, WSLHD will implement reasonable adjustment consistent with industry standard.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles in NSW Health organisations.

For more information, please visit https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/ .

Please note: A person who is not an Australian citizen or a permanent resident is only eligible for temporary employment for a period not longer than the duration of their current visa or a period not shorter than the duration of the advertised position.