Job Description

The Team:
Registered Nurses at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre (AYDC) are part of the statewide Correctional Primary Health Services (CPHS) within the Department of Health. This team delivers high‑quality, youth‑focused, person‑centred healthcare to young people in custodial settings. Working within a multidisciplinary model, AYDC nursing staff provide comprehensive primary health care including medical, mental health, allied health coordination, and alcohol and other drug support.

Nurses at AYDC play a critical role in ensuring continuity of care, promoting health literacy, and supporting rehabilitation through safe, developmentally appropriate clinical practice. They work collaboratively with custodial staff, youth workers, mental health services, and external health partners to ensure young people receive responsive, trauma‑informed and culturally safe care.

Aligned with the broader Hospitals South system and the Hospitals South Strategic Plan, the team is committed to delivering safe, compassionate, evidence‑based healthcare that supports the wellbeing and recovery of young people. Registered Nurses contribute to a therapeutic environment that fosters trust, encourages engagement, and supports positive health outcomes during and beyond a young person’s time in custody.

AYDC nursing staff are essential members of the CPHS workforce. Through their clinical expertise, advocacy, and youth‑centred approach, they make a meaningful contribution to improving the health and futures of young Tasmanians and strengthening the wellbeing of the wider community.

The Role:

As a Registered Nurse within the Ashley Youth Detention Centre (AYDC), you will work as a key member of a multidisciplinary team delivering high‑quality, youth‑centred healthcare services. In alignment with the Hospitals South Strategic Plan, agency policies, legal and regulatory requirements, and the professional competencies of nursing practice, the Registered Nurse provides comprehensive primary health care to young people in custody.

The role is responsible for undertaking clinical assessments, planning and delivering evidence‑based nursing interventions, and coordinating care in collaboration with medical, mental health, allied health, and custodial staff. Registered Nurses contribute to a safe, therapeutic environment by applying trauma‑informed, culturally safe, developmentally appropriate approaches that support the wellbeing, recovery, and rehabilitation of young people.

Working within a dynamic custodial health setting, the Registered Nurse plays an essential part in promoting health literacy, supporting continuity of care, and ensuring young people receive compassionate, professional, and holistic healthcare during their time at AYDC.

You will need:

1. Current knowledge of, and the ability to apply nursing principles, procedures and practices in the delivery of patient/client care in a designated practice area and in line with legal requirements and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse.
2. Sound interpersonal and communication skills, including written skills and the ability to function effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
3. Knowledge of continuous quality improvement (safety and quality) and the application of evidence based practice in the practice setting.
4. Ability to undertake client education in the practice setting, together with a commitment to participate in ongoing professional development.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

Why Tasmania:

The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals across the state, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. Additionally, it provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.

Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.

Details of appointment:

Multiple fixed term full time or part time, day worker position, working up to 76 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible for a period of up to twelve (12) months.

*notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.

Salary: $80,524 to $109,175 per annum (Pro rata). Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.

• Salary range is in accordance with Nurses and Midwives (Tasmania State Service) Agreement 2023.

Access to the Grade 4 salary range $102,439- $109,175 is subject to successful application for progression to Grade 4

In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available:

• Post Graduate Allowance of up to 10 % based on qualification type

Salary Packaging:

You’ll have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible.

Regional Allowances

• Remote and Rural Professional Development Allowance of an additional salary allowance of 4%

Correctional Allowances

• Correctional allowance of 6.5%

Benefits available to eligible candidates:

• Travel and relocation assistance support available up to $10,000 for appointees from interstate.
• Professional development and accelerated pathways.
• A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
• Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.
• Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).

More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here

Eligibility:

Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.

• Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as a Registered Nurse.

• Working with Vulnerable People Card.

Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:

• Holds or is working towards relevant postgraduate/tertiary qualification in primary health care, psychiatric, adolescent, forensic and/or correctional health

Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.

Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents

We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.

Statement of Duties:

• Registered Nurse - Correctional Primary Health Services G3-4.docx

Application Guide:

• Department of Health - Applicant Guide Sep 2024.docx

How to apply:

Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.

You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.

*applications from Recruitment Agencies will not be accepted for this role

For more information:

Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.

Katharine McGee
Assistant Director of Nursing
(03) 6166 1244
katharine.mcgee@ths.tas.gov.au

What it is like working at the Department of Health?

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!

Make It Tasmania | Move for a great lifestyle

One Health Podcast - Spotify

One Health Podcast - Apple

Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian

Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).

Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.