Policy Officer, Suicide Prevention and Response

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Department of Health

**Salary**: $95,102 - $107,905

Occupation: Policy

Reference: VG/1825083

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 Policy Officer, Suicide Prevention and Response Policy team, works as part of the team responsible for policies and initiatives that respond to the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System's recommendations to strengthen Victoria's suicide prevention and response efforts.
- The role supports a range of policy and program management activities, including implementation and monitoring of a new Victorian strategy for suicide prevention and response and supporting accountability framework, policy development, ministerial briefings, stakeholder engagement and program implementation.
- This role provides a unique opportunity to be part of diverse branch and play a key role in addressing some of the most important issues facing our community.

**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**:

- Contribute to the development and provision of advice and sound policy recommendations to senior management and government.
- Assist the monitoring and reporting on high priority issues, risks and trends and assist to prepare and present comprehensive reports, ministerial briefs, cabinet and agency submissions on complex issues.
- Support effective working relationships and the flow of information across the department and with key external stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of multi-level stakeholder engagement strategies, processes and projects to support the effective implementation of reforms.
- Under direction, undertake and contribute to complex projects and contribute to the preparation of minutes, briefs, submissions, correspondence and reports on a range of sensitive issues.
- Assess and provide information and advice on compliance with the work area's processes and guidelines.
- Adhere to quality control mechanisms to ensure completeness and accuracy of presentation and delivery of information and events.

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

- A tertiary qualification in fields related to public policy, public administration or public health would be desirable. Alternatively, the suitable applicant will have equivalent professional experience.

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 letter. Click the ‘Apply' 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 including proof of 3 vaccinations (including booster) against COVID-19. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.