Description
Senior Staff Specialist Clinician SMO2.1 - SMO2.3 - Remuneration Package Range $315,843 - $349,187 (including salary $270,033 - $298,705)
+ generous allowances and professional development leave
Mental Health Services Central Australia Region
Alice Springs
One full time vacancy fixed from 08/09/2026 for 5 years is available
The Department of Health manages the Northern Territory public health system as one integrated service across five regions, delivering essential health services from prevention through to acute care rehabilitation and palliative support.
Located in Alice Springs, the Mental Health and Other Drugs Services (MHAOD) team is seeking an accomplished and visionary Clinical Director of Psychiatry to provide strategic clinical leadership across a diverse, multidisciplinary service operating within one of Australia’s most culturally significant and clinically unique regions.
As Clinical Director, you will hold overarching responsibility for the governance, safety, and quality of psychiatric practice across inpatient, community, and specialist services. You will lead service development, strengthen clinical governance frameworks and support a sustainable psychiatric workforce, ensuring the delivery of evidence-based, person-centred and culturally responsive care.
Working in partnership with Aboriginal health leaders and clinicians, and in collaboration with government and community stakeholders, you will play a critical role in shaping models of care that honour cultural knowledge, promote recovery, and respond effectively to the needs of the Central Australian region.
Key responsibilities include:
- Clinical governance and oversight of psychiatric services
- Leadership of service reform and model of care development
- Workforce leadership, supervision and capability building
- Strengthening culturally safe practice in partnership with Aboriginal communities
- Supporting quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
To be successful, you will require:
- Current registration with the Medical Board of Australia as a Specialist Psychiatrist
- Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) or equivalent
- Demonstrated high-level leadership experience in complex clinical environments
- Strong communication, negotiation and conflict resolution capability
- A deep understanding of the mental health needs of Aboriginal peoples, and the ability to lead culturally safe, communityinformed and traumaaware mental health services
- Commitment to working in partnership with Aboriginal communities to improve mental health outcomes
In return, you will enjoy a competitive remuneration package, salary packaging options, 12% superannuation, generous recreational leave, personal and professional development leave and the opportunity to contribute to a region where clinical leadership has an immediate and lasting impact.
If you are open to considering relocation from interstate or overseas, Central Australia offers a unique professional and lifestyle opportunity. Alice Springs (or Mparntwe in Arrernte language) is the third-largest town in the Northern Territory. With a population of approximately 33,000 people, the region has deep spiritual origins dating back more than 30,000 years, and an abundance of rich Aboriginal culture and history. The surrounding MacDonnell Ranges and the Red Centre Desert make for the perfect landscape for outdoor recreation.
To learn more about working with the Northern Territory Government and NT Health, see below:
Explore working in the Northern Territory Government
- https://jointheterritory.nt.gov.au/work/work-for-ntg
Explore working for NT Health
- https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing
Explore living in Alice Springs
- https://jointheterritory.nt.gov.au/
- https://jointheterritory.nt.gov.au/Central_Australia_regional_guide.pdf
For further information about this vacancy please contact:
Josephien Rio on 08 8951 7710 or gmmhaodcentral.health@nt.gov.au
Quote vacancy number: 18458
Closing date: 26/03/2026
Applications should consist of a one page summary sheet, resume / CV and copies of relevant qualifications.
For a copy of the Job Description or to view career opportunities in the Northern Territory Government please visit https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/Search
