Deputy Secretary, Mental Health and Wellbeing

**Overview**:
**Work Type**:Fixed-term - Full-time

**Salary**: $419,001 - $557,435

**Grade**:VPS SES3

**Occupation**:Leadership and management

**Location**:Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

**Reference**:VG/723479

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**:

- Reporting to the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, Mental Health and Wellbeing, provides stewardship and leads significant reform of the state's mental health, wellbeing and alcohol and other drug (AOD) systems.
- The Deputy Secretary is Victoria's Chief Officer for Mental Health and Wellbeing, which has responsibilities under the _Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022_ including to steward a more inclusive mental health and wellbeing system, promote the mental health and wellbeing principles, and the continuous improvement in the quality and safety of mental health and wellbeing services.
- The Deputy Secretary leads the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division of the department. They lead a diverse executive and VPS team, including developing and maintaining a collaborative, inclusive and resilient culture.
- The Deputy Secretary leads performance and stakeholder management for mental health and wellbeing and AOD services. This position sets the strategic direction and leads reform and transformational change across the system.
- The Deputy Secretary provides authoritative and strategic advice to Ministers, the Secretary, central agencies and key stakeholders, including other Victorian Government departments and agencies.

**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**:

- Lead the commissioning of efficient, effective and high-quality mental health care and monitor the management of budgets and funding agreements with Victoria's mental health and wellbeing, AOD and other harm reduction services.
- Provide authoritative and strategic advice to the Premier, Ministers, Secretary, health services and other service providers to support the performance of Victoria's mental health services.
- Make recommendations to the Secretary as the Chief Officer for Mental Health and Wellbeing as set out in the _Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022_.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance, standards and outcomes of mental health and wellbeing service providers and the quality and safety of the services they provide.
- Lead and oversee the delivery of the mental health and wellbeing reform agenda, including system and service design, commissioning and partnering with lived experience and clinical leadership.
- Engage with key stakeholders in the Department of Health and Victorian health and wellbeing system on developing future budget and policy proposals in relation to the operation and performance of Victoria's mental health system.
- Identify and investigate complex issues and critical risks specific to mental health services and develop mitigation strategies by reviewing and analysing impacts on the health sector and considering of legislation, policy, service standards and regulation to review or develop new guidelines.

**What we offer**:

- The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
- A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
- 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 ‘Appl y' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.
- Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.

- Applications close Monday 4 August 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted
- 21 July 2025