Role Title: NSW Chief Psychiatrist- Staff Specialist
Please refer to the Staff Specialist State award for Total Remuneration Package - staff specialist award
An opportunity to be part of the NSW Ministry of Health is available.
Applications are accepted via eCredential only, click HERE to apply
Please Note: NSW Health does not require or accept the ‘Fit2Work badge’ offered as an option in eCredential.
Employment Type: Full Time Permanent
Position Classification: Staff Specialist, staff-specialists-award.pdf
Remuneration: Staff Specialists (State) Award per annum plus Superannuation
Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW
Hours Per Week: 40 hours
Requisition ID: REQ674844
Closing Date: 12 July 2026
Join the Mental Health Branch at the NSW Ministry of Health as Chief Psychiatrist, a senior clinical leadership role shaping statewide mental health strategy and driving system reform across NSW.
About us
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We work collaboratively across NSW Health, Local Health Districts, the non-government sector and other government agencies to drive evidence-based system reform.
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We support flexible and hybrid working arrangements and value integrity, collaboration and excellence in public health leadership.
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Build your career in a role that combines mental health, system strategy and executive leadership within Australia’s largest health system.
To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.
About the role:
The Chief Psychiatrist is a senior clinical leadership role at the NSW Ministry of Health, providing authoritative advice to the Minister and Ministry on mental health policy, strategy and service delivery. The role shapes statewide direction, oversees standards of quality and safety, and drives system reform to improve outcomes for people with mental illness across NSW.
Working closely with the Executive Director, Mental Health Branch, the Chief Psychiatrist leads clinical excellence across the system, engaging with Local Health Districts, clinicians, and partners to influence policy, service design and performance. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead change, strengthen the system, and shape the future of mental health care in NSW.
What you’ll be doing
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Provide expert clinical advice on complex and sensitive mental health matters, including high-risk cases and system-level issues.
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Monitor the performance, quality and safety of mental health services, and drive improvement across Local Health Districts and Specialty Health Networks.
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Exercise delegated statutory functions under the Mental Health Act 2007, including directing aspects of patient care and undertaking clinical investigations where required.
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Lead priority reform initiatives by shaping policy, strengthening service models and supporting evidence-based improvements across the system.
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Build strong relationships across government, clinical networks and the broader sector to influence outcomes and support coordinated system-wide responses.
We are seeking a senior medical specialist who demonstrates:
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Registered Medical Practitioner with Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists or equivalent specialist psychiatrist qualifications.
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Extensive executive-level experience in mental health clinical leadership, policy development and system reform
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Proven ability to influence service quality, safety and performance across complex health systems
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Strong analytical capability, with the ability to apply clinical evidence, data and research to inform policy and decision-making
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Exceptional communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the capacity to influence at State, national and sector levels
How to apply
At The Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you’ll get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders.
Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages).
For role related queries or questions contact Elizabeth Wood, Deputy Secretary, Health System Strategy and Patient Experience
[email protected] and quote
REQ674844.
As an organisation we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Anu Kundu on
[email protected]
Need more information?
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Applications are accepted via eCredential only, click HERE to apply
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For assistance with your application please refer to the eCredential guide
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.
To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Additional information
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This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
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Please note the selection process will include a range of merit-based techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.
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For more information about working at the NSW Health, please visit our career portal.
