The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on
supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with
communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and
wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.
About the role:
The Senior Policy Officer will operate in a complex and demanding environment, requiring capacity to exercise sound judgement, liaise effectively and build relationships with key people, particularly working in partnership with the diverse communities sector and community members (CALD, Disability and LGBTIQ+) to support their engagement with the mental health reforms
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team drives reform-wide approaches ensuring equity, inclusion and responsiveness to the needs of diverse communities (defined by the Royal Commission as people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability). The Senior Policy Officer will support the Manager and team respond to and coordinate Mental Health and Wellbeing input into WoG/statewide policy development and action plans and support the division to be inclusive of diverse communities' needs in the design, development, delivery and monitoring of mental health and wellbeing programs and services.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team leads the delivery of the Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework and Blueprint for Action, delivery of partnerships and programs, and internal capability and advice related to diversity and inclusion, as well as a range of other initiatives. The Senior Policy Officer will be involved in many of these initiatives and will need to be a self-starter who can deliver multiple projects concurrently.
About us:
At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.
We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.
About you:
Can you demonstrate the following?
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Provide high quality policy advice, options and recommendations to senior management and government based on comprehensive research and analysis.
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Provides advice on a range of departmental and broader government reform initiatives relating to diverse communities and mental health and wellbeing and/or alcohol and other drug issues.
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Represent the department on key stakeholder committees and groups concerned with achieving government and departmental objectives and contribute to relevant committee and governance processes.
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Forge strong connections across the department and with the mental health and community sectors to share information and facilitate a partnership approach to implementation of key strategies and initiatives.
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Draft and develop material including the preparation of Cabinet and Cabinet related material, Ministerial and Secretary briefings and meeting papers, agendas, minutes and reports.
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Work across multiple projects, including engaging with stakeholders, and working in multidisciplinary teams to meet emerging pressures and demands, as required.
Qualifications / Specialist Expertise
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A tertiary qualification in fields related to public policy and a sound understanding of the Victorian mental health system would be desirable.
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The Mental Health and Wellbeing division encourages people from diverse communities and people with lived or living experiences either as a consumer or carer, family member or supporter of people with mental illness or psychological distress to apply.
What we offer:
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The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victori ans to be the healthiest people in the world.
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A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service.
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A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.
How to apply:
Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.
We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at
[email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.
If you have any queries in relation to participation in recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email
[email protected]. Please note that unsolicited applications from third parties cannot be accepted. If you have questions regarding the role, please message the contact person listed on the advertisement directly.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in line with our Privacy Policy.
