Staff Development
At Western District Health Service (WDHS) we are committed to the ongoing development of all employees, recognising that they are our most valuable asset.  Through the Performance Development and Review System staff members are assisted to devise a personal professionalised development plan.  The Service supports its employees to participate in education and training,  allowing staff to become the best they can be in their chosen profession.  Ongoing education and training programs, provided in-house free of charge, are available to assist all staff to maintain knowledge and skills.  Participation in relevant external professional development opportunities including conferences is also supported through support grants.  Additional education resources including self-directed learning packages, books, journals and videos are also available.  Online clinical databases can be accessed through the WDHS Intranet in each clinical area, as well as through the library.

Study towards Formal Qualifications
WDHS in collaboration with Deakin University – Burwood Campus offer highly motivated acute care nurses the opportunity to undertake postgraduate study in the areas of critical care, emergency, midwifery, perioperative and emergency (from 2019) nursing.  Staff in, or with the potential to move into supervisory positions are also supported to undertake further study towards management qualifications.  WDHS also supports staff wishing to obtain VET sector qualifications in various areas including aged care, lifestyle coordination, business administration, theatre sterilisation and pharmacy support.

Graduate Nurse Program
Graduate programs are available for both Registered (Division 1) and Enrolled (Division 2) registered nurses.  These are carefully planned and integrated educational programs, designed to consolidate nursing skills and increase professional awareness, under the supervision and guidance of experienced and competent nurses.

Employee Assistance Program
Western District Health Service recognises the potential adverse impact of unresolved personal problems on employee well-being and performance in the workplace. The Service also appreciates that our work can be stressful, and at times traumatic, for staff. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) endeavours to provide a caring, effective and confidential support service for staff experiencing personal or work related problems which may be affecting their performance and/or productivity.  WDHS will support a maximum of three visits to a Counsellor/ Psychologist or other specialised service provider.

Relocation Assistance
At Western District Health Service, eligible candidates are offered relocation assistance as a part of their employment.  This is determined on an individual basis. 

A decision on the reasonableness of any expense will be made by the relevant Director, at his / her complete discretion.  Such a decision will be final.  Additionally, you may be entitled to salary sacrifice various other items associated with your relocation (referred to as Salary Packaging).

Salary Packaging
Salary Packaging is a legal, Australian Tax Office (ATO)-approved agreement allowing employees of Western District Health Service to pay some of their living expenses pre-tax, thereby reducing the overall amount of tax they pay.

By arranging to pay some expenses from an employee’s gross wage before the tax is taken, it is possible to lower the tax paid and increase take home pay.

There are a wide range of items available to be paid pre-tax through salary packaging, including:

Mortgage and credit card payments
Meals and entertainment
Additional superannuation payments
Novated car leases

Staff Services
Active Social Club including staff discounts at local businesses for social club members 

  • Free car parking at all campuses
  • Staff pharmacy discount
  • Hospital Café on site providing inexpensive quality meals
  • Discounted corporate memberships at Hamilton Indoor Leisure Aquatic Centre (HILAC)

Superannuation
The Australian ‘Pension Scheme’ is known as ‘superannuation’.  By law, employers must pay a minimum of 9.5% of Ordinary Time Earnings into a superannuation fund for eligible employees.  This amount is paid in addition to the employee’s salary.  Employees can also make personal contributions.

Superannuation can be accessed at retirement as either a lump sum or through a pension (often called an ‘Income Stream’).

There are two industry superannuation funds servicing the health sector, or you may provide a fund nomination form for your preferred fund upon commencement.

First State Super – www.firststatesuper.com.auHESTA – www.hesta.com.au

Entitlements
Western District Health Service will contribute a minimum of 9.5% of ordinary time earnings (over and above an employee’s salary) to the Scheme.

  • Employees may make additional contributions to the Scheme on either a pre or post-tax basis.
  • Pre-tax contributions are often referred to as being made on a ‘salary sacrifice’ basis.
  • Eligible temporary resident visa holders may be able to access their superannuation when departing Australia – Scheme staff can assist with this.
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