Nurse Unit Manager - Specialist Dementia Care Unit

An exciting opportunity to lead the planning and delivery of our newest Aged Care program Blakiston Lodge Specialist Dementia Care Program as the Nurse Unit Manager

• Lead a group of expert staff to deliver best practice Dementia Care 
• Provide transitional support to people living with severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia 
• Support residents to live their best life promoting independence, engagement and connection 

About Barwon Health 

Guided by our values, Barwon Health is Victoria's largest regional health care service and is also the largest employer in the Geelong and surf coast region, employing over 8700 staff. Barwon Health’s core facilities include the renowned University Hospital Geelong precinct in central Geelong, the McKellar Centre precinct in North Geelong, the innovative Sunrise Centre,  Barwon Health North a vital services that includes child and family health support, renal dialysis, medical imaging, and urgent care. Four Aged care centres spanning the Region, Mental Health Services that are delivered through a number of programs across the Geelong and Barwon South West region. Community Health and Dental service and world renowned Research that that advances health and wellbeing for all.  Explore all of our comprehensive services here. 

About Blakiston Lodge 

Located at Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre in North Geelong, Blakiston Lodge is a 90-bed, high level, residential aged care, mental health facility. The Specialist Dementia Care Program unit will complement the two current secure units Oak- aged mental health beds and Azden- dementia specific beds.  

The Specialist Dementia Care Program will be delivered in a purpose built 8 bed small, cottage like, dementia friendly living environment. The program is informed by best practice Dementia Care from a specialist team to transition residents to long-term placement at mainstream facilities.   

About the role 

As the Nurse Unit Manager at Blakiston Lodge you will provide leadership in the planning and delivery of the Specialist Dementia Care Program.  

Duties of the role include but are not limited to: 

• Overall management of the program that meets best practice standards, in line with Barwon Health policies 
• Provision of person centered and goal orientated care that builds on the strengths and capabilities of everyone 
• Lead case management/clinical referral and decision making for SDCP residents 
• A commitment to on-going education and self-development and development of the team 

About the culture 

At Blakiston Lodge, our culture prioritises compassion, respect, and empathy. Our dedicated team is committed to providing the highest quality care for residents with dementia and mental illness, who require a higher level of care due to their cognitive, emotional, or behavioural challenges. We understand that working with residents who have complex care needs can be challenging, so we prioritize staff support, training, and development. Our team works collaboratively and communicates openly, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that extends to our residents and their families. We believe in fostering a positive work culture where everyone feels valued and supported, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding experience for all. 

What we offer 

• Barwon Heath offers higher pay rates for Enrolled Nurses (EEN) compared to the average in the aged care sector, with an approximate increase of 8% 
• Excellent working conditions with a high sense of job satisfaction  
• Geelong and Barwon Health is an attractive destination with a sunny climate, notoriously laidback lifestyle and great pay rates   
• To find out more about the Geelong region, visit our Moving to the Region page on the Barwon Health website. 
•  Located in the centre of Geelong's CBD is an easy commute from all suburbs 
• Access to employee wellness facility 
• A genuine community feel - we look after each other  
• Wide range of professional development that enhances your careers 
• Doorstep to the Great Ocean Road, Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast 
• Attractive salary packaging benefits! Living Expenses capped at $9,010 which  includes repayments on mortgages, credit cards, personal loans and rental payments and Meal Entertainment & Accommodation capped at $2,650 which includes food and drink consumed in a social or entertainment settings and some accommodation expenditure 

Diversity and Inclusion 

At Barwon Health we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where we value each person’s uniqueness. We embrace diverse life experiences and the perspectives of our people, whilst providing high-quality health care to all members of our community, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation. 

We are strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Click here for further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards: About Child Safe Standards | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au) we are also proud to be Totally Smoke Free. 

If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments to submit your application for this role, please contact ***************@barwonhealth.org.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch. 

This role must be fully vaccinated for Covid -19 and influenza and meet the requirements of the Barwon Health immunisation policy.