Principal Policy Adviser, Community Health

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Department of Health

**Salary**: $134,593 - $180,115

Occupation: Policy

Reference: VG/1822224

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 Principal Policy Adviser leads a sub team within the Community Health Team. The Principal Policy Adviser ensures program delivery, performance and governance across the Community Health and Home and Community Care Program for Young People (HACC PYP) Programs. Critical priorities include supporting the commissioning, performance monitoring and compliance of the Community Health and HACC PYP Program and ensuring operations and initiatives deliver high quality care.
- The Principal Policy Adviser also oversees improvement work, designed to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of the programs.
- The Principal Policy Adviser works within a matrix environment across the Community Health Team and the Primary Care System Reform Unit, contributing to the development and implementation of a range of innovative strategy and reform projects to strengthen community health, primary care and reduce pressure on hospitals.

**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.

**How you'll make a difference**:

- Effectively supervise and provide leadership to a team of employees by:

- leading and supporting individuals to achieve their potential and contributing to organisational goals and outcomes.
- modelling behaviours integral to good people management and departmental values.
- where relevant, managing and monitoring specific improvement objectives in annual improvement plans relating to the area of responsibility.
- Extensive experience coaching, developing and managing a team.
- Extensive experience in change management and providing positive and constructive leadership during and following change management periods.
- Proven ability to operate in accordance with delegated authority, consistent with departmental and government policies.
- Oversee the development of policy and initiatives that meet government and departmental objectives within resourcing, timeline and budget parameters.
- Maintain an understanding of Commonwealth and State legislative and policy reform directions to influence policy development.
- Review and report on high priority issues, risks and trends and prepare and present comprehensive reports, ministerial briefs and cabinet and agency submissions on complex issues.
- Provide timely expert advice and develop open and effective communication strategies including collection of highly complex, contentious or sensitive information on matters of staff or business.
- Pro-actively build and maintain effective working relationships and facilitate the flow of information across the department and with key external stakeholders.
- Represent the department on key government and non-government committees and bodies concerned with achieving relevant government and departmental objectives.

**Suitable applicants will be able to demonstrate**:

- An appropriate tertiary qualification relevant to the community health services sector, monitoring and evaluation or public administration is desirable.
- Knowledge and or experience in community health and or primary care is an advantage.
- Knowledge and or experience of working with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to achieve outcomes is an advantage.

To learn more please click ‘Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website.

**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