Policy Officer
St Leonards, Ministry of Health St Leonards | Sydney
About us
Join the Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN) Unit at the NSW Ministry of Health and contribute to work that makes a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people across the NSW.
We’re a supportive and collaborative team that values openness, respect and the perspectives each person brings. In these roles, you’ll have the opportunity to build your expertise, work on meaningful priorities, and contribute to initiatives that have impact at a system level.
We’re committed to your professional growth and offer a range of development opportunities. While regular office presence is required, we provide flexible working arrangements to help you manage work alongside other commitments.
To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.
About these roles
You will be joining Australia’s largest public health system and contributing to the delivery of high-quality health services across NSW.
If you are passionate about social policy and improving responses to violence, abuse and neglect, these roles offer a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people across NSW.
The Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN) Unit leads NSW Health’s work in preventing and responding to all forms of violence, abuse and neglect. The Unit supports the public health system to deliver safe, effective and evidence-informed services.
We are seeking two motivated Policy Officers to join either the Child Protection and Wellbeing Team or the Violence, Abuse and Neglect Integration Team. In these roles, you will contribute to initiatives that improve the safety, health and wellbeing of children, young people, adults and families across NSW.
Crown Clerk 7/8, starting salary from $113,574 - $125,720 p.a. plus Super and annual leave loading, with a 35-hour work week.
For more information, please read the full Role Description.
What you'll be doing
As part of the Child Protection and Wellbeing Team or the Violence, Abuse and Neglect Integration Team, you will contribute to a diverse and impactful portfolio of policy, program and project work:
Child Protection and Wellbeing Team
- Support governance arrangements for key committees focused on strengthening system responses to child abuse and neglect
- Contribute to the review and update of NSW Health’s Child Wellbeing and Child Protection Policies and Procedures
- Assist with the evaluation of child protection and child wellbeing system support functions across NSW Health
- Prepare high-quality briefings and responses to Ministerial requests and correspondence
Violence, Abuse and Neglect Integration Team
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the VAN Redesign Program including the Integrated Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect (IPARVAN) Framework
- Support governance and communications processes for PARVAN, including statewide committees and sector engagement
- Support projects and change management activities such as implementation of the Single Digital Patient Record and Child Safe Action Plan
- Assist with performance monitoring and reporting for Violence, Abuse and Neglect Services and programs
About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals with:
- The ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Project management skills and experience
- The ability to work in a small dynamic and fast-paced team environment
- Experience in violence, abuse and neglect clinical, policy or program work or an aligned area is preferred, but not essential.
Where you'll be working
The Child Protection and Wellbeing Team and the Violence, Abuse and Neglect Integration Team sit within the Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN) Unit in the Healthy Families and Communities Branch.
Both teams lead complex and fast-paced portfolios, working closely with health services across NSW to strengthen responses to violence, abuse and neglect. This includes supporting services to deliver care that is high quality, evidence-informed, culturally safe and trauma-informed.
How to apply
Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) explaining your interest and motivation in applying for this role and highlighting your relevant skills.
For role related queries or questions contact Katherine Barnes, Manager Child Protection and Wellbeing at
[email protected] and quote REQ678028.
If you do require any adjustments to the recruitment process during the recruitment process, please contact Lisa Byrne on
[email protected]
Applications Close: 12:59pm Friday 24 July 2026
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.
To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Additional information
1. This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
2. For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal
Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey. Apply now!
Applications Close: 12:59pm Friday 24 July 2026
