Grade 4 Physiotherapy Clinical Educator - Mental Health at St Vincents Health Network Sydney Public Hospital

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

02 Jun, 26

Salary

138928.4

Posted On

04 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Clinical Supervision, Clinical Education, Mental Health Physiotherapy, Staff Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Communication Skills, Leadership, Evidence-Based Practice, Trauma-Informed Principles, Integrated Care, Research Promotion, Problem Solving, Interdisciplinary Learning, Change Management, Networking, Clinical Expertise

Industry

Hospitals and Health Care

Description

Job Description: Fixed Term until 31 Dec 2026 / Part time (7.6 hours per week) Senior leadership opportunity Friendly and dynamic team About the Role A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, dynamic Grade 4 Physiotherapist to lead and innovate our Mental Health Physiotherapy services at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. Reporting to the Physiotherapy Manager this position will drive the provision of high quality Physiotherapy services to SVHM Mental Health patients through direct supervision and education of junior staff members. The successful candidate will possess expert clinical knowledge and robust peer networks, as well as strong stakeholder engagement capabilities, sound communication skills and a passionate commitment to the development of self and others. The Grade 4 physiotherapist will be responsible for leading, coordinating and promoting the provision of clinical education to support the needs of Physiotherapy Department staff, in providing service to the SVHM Mental Health services. As well as working collaboratively with Allied Health and Mental Health educators to implement a coordinated and cohesive clinical education strategy across SVHM. The successful candidate will have a strong clinical background, knowledge of Mental Health services, and experience and passion for education and staff development. Proven leadership, excellent communication skills and fostering of relationships with the multidisciplinary team are essential. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive physiotherapy team that is committed to excellence in clinical practice, education and research. Classifications for this position will range from Physiotherapist Grade 4 VB24 - VB27 ($126,079.20 - $138,928.40 per annum, pro rata for part time). Duties include Develop and implement SVHM Physiotherapy and Allied Health education and research strategies and support junior staff related to mental health, to ensure a focus on educational research and evidence-based practice. Demonstrate strategies and support junior staff in the management of the most prevalent physical health comorbidities including back pain, arthritis, and cardiovascular conditions. Provide direct clinical supervision to Physiotherapy staff working within St Vincent’s mental health services and foster growth, knowledge, expertise and interest in mental health work. Increase understanding and commitment to the Equally Well consensus statement and Equally Well in Victoria To embed trauma-informed principles in physiotherapy in mental health settings To embed integrated physical and mental health care in specialist mental health services across both inpatient and community settings Undertake problem solving to identify specific needs in staff and student clinical education, and develop short term and long-term strategies. Promote and maintain the values and principles that underpin best practice in relation to clinical education. Develop and sustain opportunities for interdisciplinary learning across SVHM Actively promote a culture of research and innovation in mental and physical health Establish systems for monitoring the educational needs of individuals and staff groups. Monitor these data systems. Skills and Experience Minimum of 10 years clinical experience Completion of relevant Post Graduate qualification (or PhD candidates nearing completion) Knowledge of Physiotherapy management and clinical service provision in an acute health care setting Acknowledged by their professional peers as a clinical expert and has broad and relevant clinical experience in their area of expertise Demonstrated effective leadership, management and networking skills Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate across teams and the wider organisation Extensive experience in the supervision and professional development of physiotherapists, students and support staff. What we offer A focus on wellbeing initiatives, with regular events and programs Confidential, solutions-focused employee counselling A healthy work/life balance encouraged. Ability to join Fitness Passport - Your pass to an extensive choice of fitness facilities Salary Packaging – Increase your take home pay! In the heart of Fitzroy, CBD at our doorstep, close to some of Melbourne’s best cafes, public transport and lots of carparks Discounts and Promotions always available through our Foundation Culture of continuous improvement Physiotherapy Department The Physiotherapy Department provides high quality clinical services across a spectrum of acute, sub-acute and outpatient services. The Department works as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide assessment, treatment and a range of therapeutic services to optimise patient care and maximise function. The Department is committed to fostering excellence in evidence based clinical care, research and education. Working at St Vincent’s St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is a leading teaching, research and tertiary health service. SVHM provides a diverse range of adult clinical services and is driven by values of Compassion, Justice, Integrity and Excellence. Application Please attach your resume and cover letter to your application. Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately. We encourage you to apply promptly as the advertisement may close early should a suitable applicant be sourced. Primary Contact: Jessica Knight, Physiotherapy Manager, jessica.knight@svha.org.au We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Inclusion is essential to our mission and diversity reflects the community we serve. Please visit our website, for further information regarding our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment at SVHM. SVHA has a duty of care under work health and safety legislation to eliminate and/or control the risk of transmission of vaccine preventable diseases in healthcare settings. You may therefore be required to undergo mandatory immunisations/vaccinations (including flu vaccinations). Position Description 3. LOCAL WORK ENVIRONMENT This position is based at the Fitzroy Campus of St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM), within the physiotherapy department; but provide support and services (as required) across other SVHM sites and in particular through St Vincent’s Mental Health Hospital and Community based programs. 4. POSITION PURPOSE Accountable to the Physiotherapy Manager, this Physiotherapist Gr 4 position is responsible for leading, coordinating and promoting the provision of clinical education to support the needs of mental health services for the Physiotherapy Department staff and students, as well as support and provision of clinical education across broader Mental Health and Allied Health related to physical health. The position will be responsible for mitigating clinical risk, the development and evaluation of clinical standards, and promotion and support of professional standards, education and research. The Physiotherapist Grade 4 – Clinical Educator Mental Health will foster a culture of clinical excellence and continuous improvement and innovation, delivering, supporting and oversighting quality activities and/or research aligned with Physiotherapy in mental health, as well as supporting the education and development of the Physiotherapy workforce skillsets to meet the SVHM mental health clinical service needs. They will also work collaboratively with other Allied Health and Mental Health Educators to build and implement a coordinated and cohesive mental health education strategy across SVHM. 5. POSITION DUTIES The delivery of the highest standard of clinical education and skills training related to mental health to support to the Physiotherapy Department team  Develop and implement SVHM Physiotherapy and Allied Health education and research strategies and support junior staff related to mental health, to ensure a focus on educational research and evidence-based practice.  Determine and evaluate the most impactful interventions and individuals to benefit from physiotherapy for both preventative and treatment focus for people within the mental health service at SVHM Demonstrate strategies and support junior staff in the management of the most prevalent physical health comorbidities including back pain, arthritis, and cardiovascular conditions.  Provide direct clinical supervision to Physiotherapy staff working within St Vincent’s mental health services and foster growth, knowledge, expertise and interest in mental health work.  To embed trauma-informed principles in physiotherapy in mental health settings to o Ensure psychological safety of both the consumer and clinician o Facilitate trusting relationships o Enable choice and collaboration o Maximise empowerment o Overcome barriers to trauma-informed care in physiotherapy  Increase understanding and commitment to the Equally Well consensus statement and Equally Well in Victoria o To support mental health services to make decisions about developing, implementing and reviewing policies, procedures and programs that help consumers to make decisions about addressing physical health issues. o To enable services to provide a positive experience of care and improve outcomes for consumers, with the support of families and carers. o To create a consistent approach to physical health care in Victorian specialist mental health services. o To embed integrated physical and mental health care in specialist mental health services with a particular focus on community settings o To contribute to interprofessional education and leadership to the vision that people living with mental illness have greater quality of life, access to care and life expectancy as the general population related to managing chronic conditions and multi-morbidity o Improve the inequality in healthcare for people with mental health conditions considering side effects from mental health treatments, informed consent, impacts of mental health problems and emotional distress, discrimination in overall health care, and disadvantaged socioeconomic status.  Undertake problem solving to identify specific needs in staff clinical education, and develop short term and long-term strategies.  Promote and maintain the values and principles that underpin best practice in relation to clinical education.  Develop and sustain opportunities for interdisciplinary learning across SVHM.  Actively promote a culture of research and innovation in mental and physical health  Manage human and material resources effectively and efficiently, providing mentoring and Staff supervision as required.  Participate in relevant committee processes, attend relevant meetings, prepare, and submit reports as required.  Provide expert and authoritative advice, reasoned recommendations and innovative solutions regarding clinical education for staff and students.  Establish strategic links with relevant academic institutions. 6. INCUMBENT OBLIGATIONS General  Perform duties of the position to best of their ability and to a standard acceptable to SVHM.  Comply with all SVHM policies, procedures, by laws and directions.  Treat others with respect and always behave professionally and in accordance with the SVHM Code of Conduct.  Only access confidential information held by SVHM when this is necessary for business purposes, maintaining the confidentiality of that information once accessed.  Participate in the annual SVHM performance review process.  Display adaptability and flexibility to meet the changing operational needs of the business.  Comply with applicable Enterprise Bargaining Agreement provisions.  Display a willingness to develop self and seek to improve performance.  Attend clinical orientation upon commencement.  Maintain clinical registration and any required indemnity cover.  Always work within approved scope of practice under supervision by more senior clinical staff as appropriate.  Take personal responsibility for the quality and safety of work undertaken.  Complete annual compulsory competencies Maintain skills and knowledge necessary to safely and skilfully undertake clinical work.  Consult with peers and other experts and refer to other healthcare workers when appropriate and in a timely manner.  Collaborate and clearly communicate with patients/clients and the healthcare team.  Participate in clinical risk management and continuous quality improvement activities as part of day-today work.  Ensure consumers receive information in an appropriate and accessible format.  Actively support consumers to make informed decisions about their treatment and ongoing care.  Ensure consumers are aware of their rights responsibilities and how to provide feedback.  Protect the health and safety of self and others, complying with all health and safety related policies, procedures and directions.  Complete required Fire and Emergency Training annually.  Complete required Workplace Culture and Equity Training annually.  Attend general hospital orientation within 3 months of commencement. 7. INCUMBENT CAPABILIITY REQUIREMENTS (Level 4) The incumbent of this position will be expected to possess the following core capabilities: Capability Demonstrated behaviour Personal Personal effectiveness Generates Impact –Generates results under challenging circumstances Learning Agility Resilience – Embraces change and works efficiently in unfamiliar and ambiguous situations Outcomes Patient/Resident/client centred Drives Reputation – Understands and responds to current and emerging healthcare approaches Innovation and Improvement Service Innovation – Stimulates and embeds continuous improvement Strategy Driving Results Executes Strategy –Develops and implements strategy for area of responsibility Organisational Acumen Medium Term Planning – Develops departmental plans that anticipate future needs and mitigate risks People Working with and Managing others Inspires Others – Fosters a climate that supports the growth and development of individuals Collaboration Develops Partnerships – Develops and manages partnerships to optimise outcomes 8. SELECTION CRITERIA 8.1 ESSENTIAL REGISTRATION, LICENSE OR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Essential:  Degree in Physiotherapy  AHPRA Physiotherapy Registration  Masters or PhD level qualification in relevant area (or nearing completion of said qualification) Highly Desirable:  Membership of the APA and relevant national group  Evidence of previous involvement in research, publications and conference presentations Knowledge & Experience:  Minimum of 10 years relevant postgraduate physiotherapy experience in and knowledge of physiotherapy management and clinical service provision in a health care setting.  Acknowledged by their professional peers as a clinical expert and / or has broad and relevant clinical experience in their area of expertise.  Demonstrated effective leadership, management and networking skills  Commitment to organisational, professional, department and clinical leadership  Demonstrated capability for implementation of broad system change including effective change management  Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate across teams and the wider organisation  Demonstrated ability for the operational and strategic management of a team  Ability to demonstrate a strong theoretical knowledge base in their area of expertise and to manage efficiently and effectively a clinical caseload across the designated service.  Extensive experience in the supervision and professional development of physiotherapists, students and support staff.  Commitment to staff development and continuing education.  Well-developed understanding of Quality Improvement and evidence of implementation and evaluation of Quality Improvement activities.  Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team  Familiarity with Human Resources practices (e.g., staff appraisals, recruitment, performance management).  Experience with conflict management  Excellent evaluation and problem solving skills  Commitment to the organisation’s strategic plan & direction, and the Mission & Values of the Sisters of Charity Closing Date: 5 April 2026 11:59pm Reconciliation Action Plan: At St Vincent's we acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees. As part of our Commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap in employment related outcomes, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. For further information, visit https://www.svha.org.au/about-us/reconciliation or get in contact at indigenouscareers@svha.org.au View Reconciliation Action Plan Code of Conduct: View Code of Conduct Set up Job Alerts to see future opportunities that interest you. New users can click Create Account from the Sign-in screen. St Vincent’s Health Australia has been serving Australians with compassionate health and aged care since our first hospital was established in Sydney in 1857. Founded by the Sisters of Charity more than 180 years ago, St Vincent’s is a clinical, research and education leader delivering private hospital, public hospital and aged care services across NSW, VIC and QLD. Our founder, Mary Aikenhead’s vision, commitment and inspiration lives on in us and the work we do. From modest beginnings, St Vincent’s Health Australia is today the nation’s largest not-for-profit health and aged care provider, offering services in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, including public and private hospitals and aged care facilities. The St Vincent’s family comprises 22,000 outstanding nurses, researchers, cooks, doctors, executives, administrators, cleaners, volunteers and more. Click Forgot your password? from the Sign-in screen and follow the instructions to reset.

Responsibilities

This Grade 4 Physiotherapist position is responsible for leading and innovating Mental Health Physiotherapy services by driving high-quality service provision through direct supervision and education of junior staff. The role involves leading, coordinating, and promoting clinical education, and collaborating with educators to implement a cohesive clinical education strategy across the hospital's mental health services.