Senior Mental Health Nurse MHICAR

Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS) is a new, dedicated public youth mental health service and is the first of its kind in Australia. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team.

Senior Mental Health Nurse – Mental Health Intensive Care Area Resource (MHICAR) – PYMHWS Inpatient Unit

Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS)

Full or Part Time | Ongoing | Footscray

The PYMHWS inpatient unit (IPU) is a purpose-built facility in the New Footscray Hospital. The service follows the principle of least restrictive treatment and minimisation of adverse impacts on the young person arising out of hospitalisation.

The IPU provides specialised inpatient intervention to young people aged 18 to 25 during the acute phase of mental health disorders.

Registered Psychiatric Nurse – MHICARFootscray Inpatient Unit (4B) – PYMHWSFull-Time or Part-Time (0.8EFT) Opportunity Available

About The Role

Be at the forefront of transforming care for young people in distress. As a Senior MHICAR Nurse, you’ll play a pivotal role in our Mental Health Intensive Care Area Response (MHICAR) model, bringing expert, early intervention and enhanced support to our Inpatient Unit (IPU) team.

In This Dynamic Leadership Role, You’ll

Drive early, proactive responses to clinical deterioration, ensuring young people receive timely assessment and tailored care planningChampion safe alternatives to restrictive practices, setting the benchmark for best practice in reducing seclusion and restraintLead with innovation, using trauma-informed care, sensory-based calming strategies, and deep understanding of individual triggers to support recoveryElevate clinical standards, guided by evidence-based frameworks, including Safer Care Victoria and current and emerging Mental Health legislationInspire multidisciplinary teams through hands-on leadership, fostering safe, therapeutic, and person-centred care environments

This is your opportunity to shape care, lead change, and make a lasting impact, supporting vulnerable young people with compassion, expertise, and innovation when they need it most.

What You'll Do

Lead with clinical excellence, role modelling least-restrictive approaches to managing distress, including sensory-based interventions, trauma-informed de-escalation, and early recognition of warning signs and escalation triggers.Proactively identify and respond to risk, coordinating MHICAR team interventions for young people at heightened risk of harm, and leading the development of tailored, nursing-led behaviour support strategies that prioritise safety for both consumers and staff.Strengthen proactive care planning, supporting teams to design and implement integrated safety strategies that reduce escalation—bringing together behaviour support plans, sensory profiles, safety plans, and advance statements to minimise Code Grey incidents.Provide expert clinical guidance in the safe and effective use of pharmacological interventions, ensuring approaches are responsive, preventative, and continuously evaluated.Partner in service innovation, working closely with the Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) to implement, evaluate, and continuously improve the MHICAR response to acute deterioration.Champion best practice frameworks, actively embedding the DHHS Reducing Restrictive Interventions framework into everyday care and shaping a safer, more therapeutic ward culture.

About You

Registered with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse Postgraduate Diploma or Masters in Mental Health NursingA minimum of 5 years’ previous experience in nursing practice within the mental health field, including young people experiencing mental health disorders. Expertise in the provision of acute care with young people from a range of backgrounds and diagnoses; including, risk assessment, mental state assessment, psychoeducation related to illness, care coordination, and partnering with young people and family/carers. Advanced knowledge and skills in trauma-informed care, sensory modulation and SafeWards.Recent experience in a nursing leadership role, RPN3 or above.Ability to physically participate in being a credentialed MOCA (Management of Clinical Aggression) trainer to Foundation level.Knowledge of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act (2022) and youth mental health policiesCommitment to professional development and excellence in nursing practiceCommitment to follow Reducing Restrictive Interventions practice frameworkUnderstanding of ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities as a registered nurseRespect for the unique needs and experiences of young people and their familiesStrong communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're looking to be part of something truly meaningful—we’d love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, contact Liam Burke on 0448 618 170

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Recruitment is ongoing, with interviews commencing as soon as suitable candidates are received.

Advertising may cease prior to the closing date.

Please click here to view, full position description

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Record Check and a Working with Children Check. Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of an immunisation assessment prior to commencement.

PYMHWS stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in work and care. We are proud to be a workplace that champions diversity, inclusion and equality for our staff and our community. Our goal is for our people to feel safe, included and supported so that they can be at their best every single day. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply to our vacancies, and will consider adjustments to support such applications.