The Role

An opportunity exists for an experienced Registered Nurse to become the Executive Level One (EL1) Regional Nursing Advisor (RNA) for the Joint Health Unit North Queensland (JHU-NQ) region. This position is responsible for overseeing the health readiness to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members in the North Queensland region.

This is a dynamic role, working within a multidisciplinary healthcare team. The successful candidate will work with considerable independence. They will be accountable for process improvements, governance oversight, and technical advice to the Commanding Officer (CO) to ensure safe, effective, and high quality clinical care is maintained in the region. While their primary role will be overseeing the health readiness for the JHU-NQ region, duties will include providing advice to the CO on patient safety practices, quality improvement initiatives, health care standards and consumer feedback.

The successful candidate will possess a good understanding of the health readiness requirements dictated by Joint Health Command and be able to co-ordinate processes in order to improve the capability of the combat force in the region. They must also have knowledge of the relevant legislative and policy frameworks, and must be able to exercise both initiative and judgment when interpreting policy in the conduct of their duties. This will include applying sound risk management practices where required.

About our Team

Joint Health Command (JHC) is responsible for the delivery of healthcare services to over 70,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. Through the delivery of reliable, resilient and best practice health services, JHC enables a healthy, ready, and supported Force from enlistment through to transition from service.

Health care services are delivered through eight Joint Health regions across Australia. The Executive Level One (EL1) Regional Nursing Advisor (RNA) position is part of Joint Health Unit – North Queensland and is based at JHU-NQ Headquarters, RAAF Townsville, QLD. Each Joint Health Unit facility provides a range of services, which can include medical, nursing, dental, physiotherapy, mental health, rehabilitation, and in-patient care.

The JHC workforce is an integrated, multidisciplinary team of ADF personnel, Australian Public Service employees, and a contracted workforce. JHC works together to manage around one million patient health service interactions with Defence members each year.

The EL1 RNA reports to the Commanding Officer (CO) JHU-NQ located at RAAF Townsville, QLD.

Our Ideal Candidate

An enthusiastic self-starter, the ideal candidate will have work health and safety experience and must be able to work autonomously, as well as part of a team. They have the ability to prioritise their workload when faced with competing demands, and comply with policy, procedures, legislation and regulatory frameworks. They have the ability to respond to WHS incidents and issues in a proactive, positive and dynamic way and have excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain stakeholder relationships.

The ideal candidate will continue to maintain currency in clinical knowledge in line with JHC, ADF and Commonwealth policy, and will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The ideal candidate must be flexible and adaptable. They will be comfortable with managing change and responding to short-notice tasks. They will have the ability to anticipate, identify, and respond to changing priorities. They will also be committed to ongoing professional development and when required, be prepared to mentor and train junior team members to achieve optimal outcomes.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 27 July 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DPG/05693/25 on www.defence.gov.au/apscareers.