Description

Senior clinical leadership role:

• Guiding the strategic direction of mental health care across southern Adelaide
• Leading through a major phase of infrastructure renewal and service integration
• Balancing stability and innovation within a cohesive, high-performing executive and clinical team

THE OPPORTUNITY

Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Clinical Director, Mental Health Services (CDMHS). SALHN is a key division of SA Health, responsible for delivering hospital and community-based healthcare to over 350,000 people through facilities including Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Hospital, and the Repat Health Precinct. The Network has a strong reputation for integrated, patient-centred care, supported by major partnerships with Flinders University and a focus on research, teaching and innovation.

THE ROLE

Reporting operationally to the Chief Executive Officer and professionally to the Executive Director, Medical Services, the Clinical Director, Mental Health Services provides strategic clinical leadership and direction across the Mental Health Division. The position is jointly accountable with the Co-Director, Mental Health Services for the achievement of divisional performance, quality, safety, and workforce outcomes, and for advancing contemporary models of care across acute, rehabilitation, and community settings.

The Clinical Director will lead an experienced and capable group of psychiatrists and multidisciplinary clinicians, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation in service delivery. They will contribute high-level clinical advice to strategic planning, workforce reform, and system redesign, while ensuring strong governance and alignment with state and national priorities. Key accountabilities include financial and workforce management, service performance oversight, safety and quality leadership, and fostering partnerships across SA Health, universities, and community stakeholders.

Requirements

THE CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) with significant senior clinical leadership experience in a complex mental health environment. They will demonstrate strong clinical credibility, political and relational acumen, and the ability to engage constructively with experienced medical staff, executives, and external partners. A collaborative leadership style, capacity to manage change, and a commitment to service excellence and integration will be critical.