Senior Policy Officer
Senior Policy Officer, Mental Health Branch, Planning and Performance Team
Join the Planning and Performance Team in the Mental Health Branch of the NSW Ministry of Health for an exciting ongoing opportunity and be part of the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.
About us
- Our core values of collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment are more than just words – they're the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our work.
- Explore boundless potential in a dynamic environment.
- Join a passionate team dedicated to innovation and creativity.
- Committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplace for all.
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.
The successful candidate will:
- Contribute to planning and performance evaluation of mental health services across NSW.
- Provide subject matter expertise on how services can be planned and modelled.
- Work in a team environment to develop resources and materials to help decision makers across the system effectively and equitably plan contemporary mental health services and monitor their implementation and operation.
- Actively collaborate with Local Health Districts, other NSW Ministry departments and non-governmental agencies to support planning, performance monitoring, and assisting providers to develop services in accordance with nationally approved best practice processes.
Crown Clerk 9/10, starting salary from $129,464 - $142,665 plus super and annual leave loading, with a 35-hour work week. Location, 1 Reserve Road, St. Leonards.
For more information, please read the full Role Description.
What you'll be doing
As the Senior Policy Officer in Planning and Performance team, you will:
- Assist the team in streamlining performance reporting by automating processes and developing new ways to critically assess performance.
- Work with the team to develop new approaches to inform service planning and benchmarking.
- Participate in the evaluation of systems, programs, to develop recommendations that improve the provision of efficient mental health care.
About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:
- Substantial experience in performance, planning and policy analysis
- Expertise in providing verbal and written advice in a complex and multi-disciplinary environment.
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of policies and legislation impacting on mental health services and systems in NSW, particularly around the NSW Health purchasing, performance and capital planning frameworks and strategic directions.
- Proficiency/interest in the use of data analysis tools and software (e.g., SQL, Python, R, Visual Basic, etc.)
- Experience/interest in using data visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI, Qlik, Tableau) to explain complex processes and patterns.
- Ability to manage and lead complex projects independently or with limited oversight, delivering to standard and to a deadline.
How to apply
All applicants must review the role description and apply by submitting an up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) and attach a response to the target question below.
Target Questions (1-2 pages)
- Please provide an example of how you have managed a complex planning or performance related project. Please provide some detail surrounding:
- What was the nature of the project you managed?
- What project management processes/tools did you use to help you organise the project?
- How did you structure your project?
- How did you work with external stakeholders?
What changed because of the project?
- What would you do differently if you were to run the project again?
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
For role related queries or questions contact Geoffrey Hammond on Geoffrey.Hammond@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ645972.
As an organisation we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Lisa Byrne on Lisa.Byrne@health.nsw.gov.au
Closing Date: 11:59pm Tuesday 21 April 2026
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: 11:59pm Tuesday 21 April 2026
