Registered Psychiatric Nurse - Post Graduate MHAIU / Community

South West Healthcare; Warrnambool; On-site; AUD 87,000 - 108,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

Professional development opportunities

Clinical supervision

Leadership programs

Job summary

South West Healthcare in Warrnambool is offering a 12-month Graduate Program for Registered Psychiatric Nurses, with a part-time equivalent of 64 hours per fortnight and a fixed term beginning February 2027. The program provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and training in recovery‑focused, trauma‑informed care.

The program combines six months in Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit and six months in Community Mental Health, with expert mentorship, clinical supervision and opportunities for

Qualifications

• Current registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation and recovery‑oriented mental health practices.
• Enrolment in, or commitment to pursue, postgraduate studies in Specialist Mental Health Nursing (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Complete the 12‑month postgraduate program in mental health nursing.
• Rotate 6 months in Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit and 6 months in Community Mental Health.
• Receive mentorship and clinical supervision to develop clinical skills.
• Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development.

Skills

AHPRA Registration

Communication skills

Legislation knowledge

Postgraduate studies (preferred)

Job description

Registered Psychiatric Nurse - Post Graduate MHAIU / Community

Launch your career in mental health nursing with a 12-month Graduate Program in Community Mental Health! This full-time role offers hands‑on experience, expert mentorship, and specialised training in recovery-focused, trauma‑informed care. Develop essential skills in assessment and therapeutic interventions in a supportive environment.

Position overview

• Employment Type: Part-time (64 hours per fortnight), Fixed term for 12 months commencing in February 2027
• Location: Warrnambool Campus
• Classification: Registered Psychiatric Nurse Grade 2
• Salary Range: $86,580.00 - $107,520.40 pro rata, plus superannuation

About the role

An exciting opportunity is available for a Graduate Registered Nurse to advance their clinical knowledge and skills in the specialised field of mental health nursing through our dedicated postgraduate program.

This Combined Mental Health Program offers a unique structure, allowing the successful applicant to gain experience across two key settings:

• 6 months in the Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit, and
• 6 months in Community Mental Health.

This rotation ensures exposure to a broad spectrum of mental health nursing, promoting the development of comprehensive and adaptable clinical skills essential for working in specialist mental health environments.

The successful graduate will receive robust support from experienced Registered Mental Health Nurses and will benefit from:

• Regular Professional Development sessions
• Access to Clinical Supervision
• Opportunities for reflective practice and skill enhancement

This is an excellent pathway for those passionate about mental health care and looking to build a strong foundation for a long‑term career in this rewarding specialty.

What you bring

• Current registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for effective team collaboration
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, contemporary frameworks, and recovery‑oriented mental health practices
• Enrolment in, or a commitment to pursue, postgraduate studies in Specialist Mental Health Nursing (preferred)

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions
• Internal and external professional development opportunities
• Ongoing clinical supervision
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community. Learn more about SWH here.

SWH is the largest health service in South West Victoria, providing acute, mental health, rehabilitation, and aged care together with an extensive range of primary and community health services across the South West catchment.SWH is the lead agency for the South West Local Health Service Network, presenting an exciting opportunity for SWH to provide strong leadership and support across the entire region. With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/

Application deadline: Sunday 11 October 2026.

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028.

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check, where required
• Current Immunisation status

South West Healthcare is an Equal Opportunities employer and commits to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity by providing a trusting workplace that is safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.We strongly encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, culturally diverse backgrounds, disability, all genders, and LGBTQI+ community. We are committed to The Child Safe Standards, which aim to protect children and young people.

Note: If you experience any difficulties with this website, please email: **************@swh.net.au