Principal Policy Officer

Join our Mental Health Branch at Ministry of Health for an exciting ongoing employment opportunity and be part of the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.

About us

• We are committed to your growth and development, providing the resources and opportunities you need to excel in your career.
• While regular office presence is essential, we offer flexible work arrangements to support your needs.
• Committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplace for all.
• Fitness Passport – access to 500+ gyms across NSW

To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.

About the role

With your skills and experience, you can contribute to the millions of ways we're enhancing health and wellness while developing your career as part of the largest health organisation in Australia.

This senior leadership position is responsible for providing expert policy advice and managing complex projects that support reform and innovation in public mental health services. You'll work closely with stakeholders—including consumers, carers, and service providers—to develop future-focused solutions that enhance care quality, safety, and effectiveness.

Your work will inform high-level decision-making across the Ministry, including advice to the Executive Director, Ministry Executive, and the Minister for Mental Health.

Mental health sector experience and expertise are essential for this role.

Clerk Grade 11/12, starting salary from $149,739 - $173,174 plus Super and annual leave loading, with a 35-hour work week, work location- 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards

For more information, please read the full Role Description.

What you'll be doing

• Lead a high-performing team to deliver strategic policy and program outcomes.
• Provide well-researched, evidence-based advice, including financial analysis, to support decision-making and service reform.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to co-design policies and contracts that improve mental health service delivery.
• Contribute to the development of outcomes-based contracts and system-wide policy directions.

About you

We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:

• Mental health sector experience and expertise are essential for this role.
• Significant knowledge and understanding of policies and legislation impacting mental health emergency care programs and related issues
• Significant experience in developing, analysing and evaluating policy and other projects
• Demonstrated skills and experience in managing all aspects of policy research, development, review and evaluation
• Appropriate tertiary qualifications and /or demonstrated relevant, equivalent professional experience.

How to apply

At The Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you'll get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders.

Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) AND demonstrate your ability by providing a response to the two target questions in your application questionnaire,

Use the link below to access our Capability Application tool, designed to help you excel in the recruitment process. Practice your responses with the example questions provided to effectively highlight your achievements and the strategies you used to accomplish them.

Capability application tool | NSW Public Service Commission

Targeted Questions (4000 characters per question)

1. Describe a time you provided advice on a complex and contentious mental health issue, where information sources were highly conflicting. How did you prepare and form your advice?

2. Share your experience leading a team of skilled professionals through a period of system change or improvement. How did you gain buy-in from diverse stakeholders and achieve a successful outcome?

For role related queries or questions contact Sally Lee at and quote REQ608442.

If you do require any adjustments to the recruitment process during the recruitment process, please contact Rebecca Chan on

Closing Date: Sunday 19 October :59 pm)

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

• This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
• For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal
• Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.

Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey Apply now

Applications Close: Sunday 19 October :59 pm)