principal policy and project officer

Department of Human Services

Job reference: 703994

Location: ADELAIDE

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Highlights

• Build and sustain relationships to deliver outcomes for South Australians with a disability
• Contribute to positive change for people with disabilities
• Flexible working arrangements available

Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision-making, and help our communities when it matters most.

Our Disability Policy, Evaluation and Reform team brings together expertise to deliver improvements and policies so DHS can provide the best possible services and programs for the South Australian community. They provide technical leadership in evaluation, project and change management and have responsibility for the state's inclusion agenda including, but not limited to, young people, carers, volunteers and LGBTIQA+

Role Details

The Principal Policy and Project Officer will work alongside the Manager, Strategic Policy, and broader team to coordinate and drive evidence-based research and policy projects to support state and national disability reform objectives. In this role you will have the opportunity to coordinate and develop stakeholder relationships with Directorates within the Department of Human Services, South Australian Government agencies, community organisations and research institutes to facilitate existing, or new, evidence-based research and policy projects.

You will also lead the development of designated national disability policy projects to support improved outcomes for South Australians with a disability.

About you

We are looking for someone motivated to contribute to critical national disability policy reform initiatives.

You will be familiar with research methods and comfortable conducting qualitative or quantitative analysis.

Master by Research or a PhD in social policy (or a related area) will be highly regarded, although not essential if you can demonstrate strong experience leading research initiatives.

You will have a demonstrated ability to conduct robust policy analysis and provide sound recommendations.

You will be a flexible team player, keen to contribute creative ideas to projects with a demonstrated ability to communicate well in writing and verbally.

Familiarity with national disability policy would be welcome, but not essential as long as the motivation to develop the expertise is there.

About the team

The Disability Policy and Reform Directorate leads South Australia's disability inclusion and reform initiatives, including supporting South Australia's functions as co-steward of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

This role is within the Strategic Policy Business Unit who currently coordinate governance activities associated with the Disability Reform Ministerial Council: a forum for Commonwealth and state and territory ministers responsible for disability policy to drive national reform.

The Business Unit works collaboratively with the broader Directorate, South Australian Government agencies, state and territory counterparts, and Commonwealth Government agencies to contribute to NDIS policy and legislative reform and to support disability research and evidence activities.

You will be joining an enthusiastic team commi

Special Conditions

• National Police Check required.
• Some out of hours work may be required.
• Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.

Role Status: Term contract up to 12 months

Salary Range: $108,109 - $116,864 (ASO7)

Location: Adelaide

Enquiries: Dr Steph Slack, Manager Strategic Policy,

Diversity and Inclusion

DHS is committed to making our services and workplaces safe and inclusive for all people and ensuring the full diversity of the communities we serve are represented in our workforce, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or neurodivergence, young people, older people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people.

We are committed to making workplace adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment experience and supportive work environment. If you require any assistance with our recruitment process, please contact us at and a member of our team will get back to you.

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We also celebrate the many strengths and skills people with disability and/or neurodivergent people bring to our workplace and acknowledge our role in ensuring a supportive work environment for people with disability and/or neurodivergent people to thrive in.

Applications close: 24/10/2025 11:30 PM