Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing - Big Rivers

The employed model program is an exciting joint initiative between NT Health and Charles Darwin University (CDU).

NT Health offers registered nurses paid employment while undertaking 2 years of part-time study (2 units per semester) in a Graduate Diploma of Mental Health through CDU.

The course is delivered online with clinical competency requirements.

Katherine Mental Health Services and Alcohol & Other Drugs Service (KMHS&AODS)

KMHS&AOD provides clinical mental health services to the entire Big Rivers region. The region includes the town of Katherine, nearby communities, as well as 16 remote communities and small towns, ranging from the east to west border of the Northern Territory, as far south as Lajamanu and as far north as Pine Creek.

The team provides a range of services including;

• Consultation/liaison to remote community clinics managed by other primary health organisations in the region, including case management and telehealth consultations.
• Case management, including counselling and treatment for any individual who presents with a range of psychiatric disorders or AOD issues in Katherine
• Assessment of acute presentations to the Katherine Hospital Emergency Department as well as liaison and consultative service to local agencies (Government and NGO’s).
• Advice, education and support to carers, friends and family of someone with a mental illness.

Apply for the program

To apply for the program you must:

• Current registration as a registered nurse or hold a dual degree (registered nurse and registered midwife) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Be an Australian citizen or hold a visa allowing ongoing, full-time employment in Australia (a copy of your visa or passport must be supplied with your cover letter and resume).
• Have completed a 12 month graduate program (or similar) and then a minimum 12 months recent nursing experience in an acute care setting.
• Meet CDU enrolment criteria.

Conditions of the contract

The Diploma in Mental Health employed model program offers registered nurses employment on a 24-month fixed term contract as a Nurse 2, (working a minimum of 24 hours per week to a maximum of 32 hours per week) while undertaking 2 years of part-time study (2 units per semester) in the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health with CDU.

You will required to work rostered shifts inclusive of on-call, night shift and weekend shifts.

You will be required to successfully complete academic course and clinical practice requirements each semester in order to continue the term of employment.

Employees in the Diploma of Mental Health Employed Model Program apply to have course fees reimbursed upon successful completion of units.

For fee information refer to the CDU website.

Important university dates

Semester two commences: 10 July 2023.

For further information see the SATAC key dates website.

Locations

Applicants will be working in the Big Rivers Region Katherine based community team located in the town of Katherine.

Clinical requirements

The CDU postgraduate nursing programs integrate theory with practical learning.

During employment, students are assisted to complete the required clinical competencies to successfully complete the Graduate Diploma.

All students must work at least 0.6 FTE in a clinical setting in which they can achieve the required clinical competencies, for example, comprehensive client assessment (all streams) and cognitive behavioural therapy (mental health). For further information regarding clinical requirements, visit for the CDU Postgraduate Nursing website.

Application checklist

This section contains a checklist of compulsory documentation you need to provide with your application through NT Careers in Government Employment Opportunities Online.

• Cover letter (1 page summary).
• Resume (include employment history and existing qualifications).
• Certified copy of passport/birth certificate or visa.
• SATAC application (please attached proof of application that includes your SATAC reference number).

Contact