Registered Nurse - Forensic Mental Health Services

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

Job summary

Western Sydney Local Health District is opening a new 20-bed low secure forensic mental health inpatient unit at Budyari Gamada, Blacktown Hospital. The registered nurses will deliver evidence-based clinical care in a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed framework, within a multidisciplinary team within NSW Health.

The role requires current AHPRA registration, experience in acute mental health, and ability to work autonomously while maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to NSW Health

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with current AHPRA registration.
• Experience in acute mental health settings.
• Ability to work autonomously within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proven high-level written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the NSW Mental Health Act 2007.
• Ability to collaborate with consumers and carers.
• Understanding of recovery philosophy and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality nursing care in a forensic mental health setting.
• Develop, review and implement individualized care and treatment plans with the multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and comply with NSW Health requirements.
• Support recovery-focused and trauma-informed care approaches.
• Collaborate with consumers, carers and the multidisciplinary team to promote engagement and safety.

Skills

Registered Nurse

AHPRA registration

Acute mental health experience

Autonomous working

Written communication

Verbal communication

NSW Mental Health Act 2007 knowledge

Carer collaboration

Recovery and trauma-informed care

NSW Driver's licence

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

Requisition ID: REQ705153 Applications Close: 18th November 2026

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.