ABOUT US

For over 30 years, Northern District Community Health (NDCH) has supported healthy, inclusive rural communities across all ages. Partnering with health services and government, we provide integrated, accessible care tailored to rural needs.

Our services include medical care, allied health, nursing, mental health, counselling, health promotion, and community programs. We also offer in-home support for older adults to help them age in place and stay connected.

Serving the Gannawarra, Buloke, Loddon Shires, and the Rural City of Swan Hill, NDCH employs over 100 staff and 150 volunteers across towns like Cohuna, Kerang, Boort, and Swan Hill. We offer rewarding careers with a genuine work-life balance for passionate professionals.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Community Health Nurse provides safe, culturally responsive nursing care to clients with complex health needs or barriers to accessing services across the NDCH rural catchment. Responsibilities include clinical assessment, chronic disease management, preventive and palliative care, outreach, referrals and coordinating client pathways, including triage, eligibility, waitlists, follow-up, documentation and reporting. The role works autonomously within scope and collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, escalating concerns as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Deliver comprehensive community nursing care

Provide holistic, safe and evidence-informed nursing assessment, care planning, intervention and review for clients across NDCH’s rural communities. Services include chronic conditions management, pathology, wound care, medication support, post-acute care, wellbeing and palliative care, along with other authorised nursing activities within professional scope and NDCH’s approved service model.

2.Manage Client referral, triage and service coordination pathway

Manage the nursing client pathway from referral through to discharge, including clinical triage, funding eligibility verification, prioritisation, client allocation, waitlist management, care coordination, clinical follow-up, documentation checks and relevant reporting. Exercise professional judgement and consult the Nursing Manager when service demand, staffing decisions or clinical risks exceed agreed authority.

3.Support health equity, independence and multidisciplinary care

Promote equitable access, independence and informed choice for clients experiencing disadvantage or barriers to care in rural communities.



Partner with clients and their support networks, as appropriate, and work closely with NDCH’s multidisciplinary workforce and external services to support coordinated, culturally safe and person-centred care.

4.Provide safe, accountable clinical practice

Maintain protected, ethical and professionally accountable nursing practice in accordance with professional standards, NDCH clinical procedures and applicable legislation. Recognise, respond to and escalate clinical risks and deterioration, safeguard client wellbeing, maintain accurate and confidential clinical records, and contribute to safe clinical systems and incident reporting.

5.Fulfil responsibilities across applicable funded programs

Deliver and record nursing services in accordance with the eligibility, authorised service scope, quality and reporting requirements of NDCH’s applicable funding programs, including CHSP, HACC and Community & Women’s Health funding where relevant. Maintain accurate service data and escalate funding or compliance concerns through NDCH’s designated processes.

6.Practise safely during rural travel, outreach and home visits

Undertake regular travel between NDCH sites and clients’ homes throughout the rural catchment. Plan and deliver outreach safely, follow approved lone-worker and emergency arrangements, respond appropriately to visiting risks, and access clinical or operational support from the Nursing Manager and NDCH’s multidisciplinary workforce when needed.

7.Contribute to service quality and professional development

Contribute to NDCH’s clinical governance, accreditation, service evaluation and continuous quality improvement activities. Maintain professional registration, clinical competence and required learning, and participate in reflective practice, multidisciplinary collaboration and ongoing professional development.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

- Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent qualification recognised in Australia.
- Current Registered Nurse registration with AHPRA.
- Demonstrated capability in nursing assessment, chronic disease care, wound management, medication safety,



care planning, clinical escalation and documentation.
- Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including negotiation, conflict resolution and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Desirable:

- Community nursing, primary health care, district nursing, rural outreach, hospital discharge or aged care nursing experience.
- Relevant experience or additional competencies in venipuncture/pathology, palliative care, wound care, chronic disease management or post-acute nursing.
- Proven ability to perform clinical duties independently.
- Understanding of chronic disease management, health promotion, and preventive care principles.
- Competence in clinical software (e.g., Best Practice) and electronic documentation.
- Knowledge of Victorian Community Health Program, applicable aged care obligations, and relevant healthcare quality standards (e.g. ACQS, NSQPCHS, RACGP, AGPAL, etc.).
- Knowledge of local community health and social support services.
- Lived experience or demonstrated understanding of rural health challenges.

WHY JOIN US?

At NDCH, we’re more than a workplace, we’re a community committed to healthier, inclusive rural lives. Guided by values like courage and inclusivity, we offer a supportive, flexible environment prioritising well-being and growth. As a not-for-profit, we provide salary packaging, real career opportunities, and meaningful community impact. Here, your voice matters and your work makes a difference.

Please see Position Description for full details of this role.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit the following documents via the form below:

- A current Resume (CV)
- A Cover Letter detailing your interest in the position
- A separate Key Selection Criteria response

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

- Complete mandatory pre-employment checks (e.g., references, work rights, police, child safety, NDIS checks); appointment depends on results.
- Maintain valid Police, Working with Children, and NDIS screening check during employment.
- Provide and keep current professional registrations and driver’s license.
- Disclose any pre-existing injuries or conditions related to the role.
- NDCH may change the work location based on organisational and client needs.

If you require further information, please see options below:

- Contact People & Culture Team on (03) 54510200
- Send email to [email protected]
- Or visit our website www.ndch.org.au

📌 Community Health Nurse (Kerang)
🏢 Northern District Community Health
📍 Kerang