The Crisis Stabilisation Centre (CSC) is a first‑of‑its‑kind service in South Australia and a rare opportunity to help establish an entirely new model of crisis care from the ground up. This 16‑bed, 24/7 service provides a voluntary, short‑stay (up to 72 hours) alternative to Emergency Departments, offering a safe, therapeutic, home‑like environment for people experiencing mental health crisis and/or suicidal distress. Co‑located within the Lyell McEwin Hospital precinct alongside Sonder’s Medicare Mental Health Centre, the CSC is designed for seamless integration across hospital, urgent and community services. Guided by a co‑designed Peer First, Peer Last Philosophy of Care, and grounded in zero suicide principles, trauma‑informed practice and cultural safety, this new service represents a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity to help shape culture, practice, and care at the very beginning.

Work–Life Balance

• Flexible work hours - no night work

• 6 weeks of annual leave without having to work shift work

• 10 weeks paid primary carer parental leave

• 3 weeks paid secondary carer parental leave

Financial Benefits

• Salary paid above Nurse Award

• Salary package up to $15,900 + up to $2,650 Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefits tax-free each year

• 17.5% leave loading – paid on all annual leave entitlements

Professional Growth

• Professional Development allowance (in addition to salary)

• Paid study leave

• Access to training, mentoring, and development programs

• Regular clinical supervision to support your growth

• Shape the future of the sector through innovation

• Diverse client groups and services across Sonder – opportunities to grow your skills across a broad range of programs

Health & Wellbeing

• Wellbeing Initiatives throughout the year – Wellbeing Day, Awards Night, local wellbeing activities

• Work with an organisation and team that truly prioritises your wellbeing

Your Work Environment

• Modern, welcoming office spaces designed to support collaboration and comfort

• Dedicated administrative support so you can focus on client care

Sonder are open to negotiating further benefits with the successful applicant to ensure an excellent working environment for you.

About the Role:

The Nursing Lead is a key member of the CSC management team, providing clinical leadership to the nursing workforce. This is a rare opportunity to help establish a brand-new model of mental health crisis care in South Australia.

You will oversee clinical governance, nursing practice standards, quality guest screening processes, medication safety, and risk management. You will support staff capability and development, ensure alignment with clinical protocols and NSQHS standards, and ensuring best practice within the CSC nursing team.

FTE: Full-Time (1.0FTE)

Hours: Hours can be completed between Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm with some flexibility
**On call rotations will be shared amongst the clinical leadership team.

Contract: Ongoing

Location: Elizabeth Vale (Lyell McEwin Hospital precinct)

More Information & Position Description via this link: https://bit.ly/4cklqmL

Experience Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience working within a multidisciplinary team environment contributing to integrated, consumer-centred service delivery.

• Demonstrated clinical experience as a Registered Nurse in a mental health or acute care setting, including crisis, community, or inpatient environments.

• Proven experience in a senior nursing or clinical leadership role, including direct staff supervision and performance support.

• Experience implementing and maintaining clinical governance frameworks, NSQHS standards, and quality improvement processes.

• Experience acting as, or working alongside, an Authorised Officer (AO) under the SA Mental Health Act is highly desirable.

Qualification and Other Requirements:

• Current or willing to obtain a Working with Children's Check (WWCC)

• Current or willing to obtain a National Police Check (NPC)

How to apply:

Applicants are requested to send a cover letter and resume to Sonder via our careers portal on our website.

Feel free to send any enquiries to sondercareers@sonder.net.au

Please note:
This is a rolling recruitment process for a new service. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be conducted throughout the advertising period. The service is expected to go live on 1 July 2026, with successful applicants commencing soon.

At Sonder, we strive to respond to all applicants. However, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may only be able to contact those shortlisted for the role. Thank you for your understanding.