Registered Nurse - Forensic Mental Health Services

Western Sydney Local Health District; Blacktown; On-site; AUD 82,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Sydney Local Health District is establishing a new 20-bed Low Secure Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Budyari Gamada, Blacktown Hospital. This permanent role promises a recovery-focused, trauma-informed approach and multidisciplinary collaboration to support patient recovery from day one.

As a Registered Nurse, you’ll deliver evidence-based care, participate in education and quality initiatives, and help shape a contemporary service opening 13 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Current Registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Experience in mental health nursing is desirable.
• Ability to work in a new forensic inpatient service within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality clinical care in a specialist forensic setting.
• Build therapeutic relationships and support recovery and engagement.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to achieve individualized care goals.
• Maintain accurate documentation in line with NSW Health requirements.
• Contribute to professional development, quality improvement and patient outcomes.

Skills

Recovery-focused care

Trauma-informed care

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Communication skills

Autonomy

Education

Registered Nurse - AHPRA

Job description

Shape the future of forensic mental health care from day one

Deliver recovery-focused, trauma-informed and evidence-based care

Join a new multidisciplinary team within a contemporary 20-bed unit

Build therapeutic relationships, deliver evidence-based forensic mental health care and support recovery in a new low secure inpatient service.

Employment Type: Permanent Full & Part Time roles available

Position Classification: Registered Nurse

Remuneration: $81,748.16 - $114,771.98 per annum / $41.22 - $57.88 per hour

Hours Per Week: up to 38

Location: Blacktown

Where you'll be working

Join the newly established Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Service at Budyari Gamada, Blacktown Hospital, opening 13 October 2026. This new 20-bed Low Secure Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Unit presents an exciting opportunity to help establish a contemporary service and contribute to its culture, model of care and patient experience from the beginning.

As part of Mental Health Services within Western Sydney Local Health District, you’ll work within a diverse, growing health district alongside the existing Budyari Gamada services and in partnership with the Forensic Mental Health Network and Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network.

• Be part of a new specialist service designed around recovery, rehabilitation and safe, therapeutic care.
• Work alongside an experienced multidisciplinary workforce committed to consumer-centred practice.
• Contribute to education, research, innovation and continuous improvement in forensic mental health.
• Build collaborative partnerships that support continuity of care and patient flow across NSW.
• Join a workplace that values Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Registered Nurse, you’ll provide high-quality clinical care to people experiencing mental health challenges within a specialist forensic setting. You’ll combine sound clinical judgement with a recovery-focused and non-judgemental approach to help consumers progress through their treatment journey.

• Deliver comprehensive, evidence-based nursing care and contribute to assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment.
• Build therapeutic relationships with consumers and support networks to promote engagement, safety and positive health outcomes.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to develop, review and achieve individualised care and treatment goals.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and practise in accordance with professional, legislative and NSW Health requirements.
• Contribute to professional development, quality improvement, innovation and initiatives that strengthen clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Make a difference with NSW Health

This is more than an opportunity to join a new service. It’s a chance to help shape the future of forensic mental health care in Western Sydney. Bring your clinical expertise, compassion and commitment to recovery and be part of a team making a meaningful difference for consumers with complex mental health needs.

Essential Requirements

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

Selection Criteria

• Registered Nurse who has completed a new graduate RN program or experience working as a Registered Nurse
• Demonstrated experience working with people presenting with an acute mental health problem
• Demonstrated advanced reasoning skills with proven ability to work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team within minimal direct clinical supervision
• Proven effective high level written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to exercise independent professional judgement when solving problems
• Working knowledge of the NSW Mental Health Act 2007
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with consumers and carers regarding mental health care
• An understanding of the recovery philosophy and trauma informed care in Mental Health and the ability to implement these within clinical practice
• Current NSW drivers licence

Applications Close: 18th November 2026

For inquiries about the role, contact Faye Mellett Knights 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/.

Blacktown hospital car parking allocation model is changing. There is a managed waitlist for parking for new staff commencing at Blacktown Hospital. This does not apply to staff with a disability parking permit.

Please note: To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.