Senior Policy Officer, Clinical Programs and Partnerships
Senior Policy Officer x2
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.
To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.
About the roles
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.
Role 1: Senior Policy Officer, Mental Health Emergency Care team
Employment Type: Full Time Ongoing
Mental Health Emergency Care Team provides statewide policy leadership and system oversight for mental health emergency responses and access to care. The team supports the development, implementation and evaluation of initiatives that strengthen care for people experiencing acute mental health concerns in the community, including involvement of emergency services.
This role offers the opportunity to provide high-quality policy advice and contribute to complex projects supporting reform and improvement across the NSW public mental health system. As a Senior Policy Officer, you will work collaboratively with stakeholders including consumers, carers, service providers and government partners to develop practical, evidence‑informed policy responses.
Your work will support future‑focused solutions that enhance the quality, safety and effectiveness of mental health services. You will contribute to briefing and advice that informs senior leaders across the Ministry and supports whole‑of‑government priorities. This role is suited to someone who enjoys applying policy expertise to real‑world challenges in a complex system environment.
Experience and expertise in mental health policy and practice will be highly valued.
Crown Clerk 9/10, starting salary from $129,464 - $142,665 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.
Role 2: Senior Policy Officer, Policy and Engagement - Adult Mental Health
Employment Type: Full Time, Ongoing
This role provides strategic policy advice and contributes to complex projects to support system management for integrated responses for adults and their families and carers in public mental health services. The role works closely with local health districts, speciality health networks, Ministry divisions, Health pillars, peaks and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based policy and guidance for mental health. This includes developing and reviewing statewide policy and guidance for sexual safety; reducing restrictive practices; mental health intensive care units; and reducing physical health inequalities for mental health consumers.
For more information, please read the full Role Description.
Crown Clerk 9/10, starting salary from $129,464 - $142,665 plus Super and annual leave loading, with a 35-hour work week, work location - 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards
What you'll be doing
Lead and contribute to policy, program and project work that supports reform and improvement across the NSW mental health system.
- Prepare high‑quality written advice, including briefs, reports and discussion papers, to support senior leaders’ decision‑making.
- Develop well‑researched, evidence‑based policy analysis using data, research and stakeholder input.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams, public health organisations and external stakeholders to support policy development, implementation and evaluation.
- Manage assigned projects and competing priorities, delivering accurate and timely outputs in a fast‑paced environment.
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 these roles
- Knowledge and understanding of policies and legislation impacting mental health emergency care programs and related issues.
- Demonstrated skills and experience in developing, analysing, monitoring and evaluating policy and other projects.
- 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 outline your relevant skills and experience by providing a cover letter (1 page) and response to the question below (1 page). Please indicate if you are interested in one or both roles.
Target Question (maximum 1 page)
Describe a time you developed advice on a complex mental health policy issue where evidence, stakeholder views or priorities were competing or unclear. How did you research and analyse the information, manage differing perspectives, and present your advice in a clear and well‑reasoned way to support decision‑making?
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 Dr Daria Korobanova at daria.korobanova@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ655728.
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 Sunday 24 May 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.
- This is a temporary role and there may be opportunities for ongoing employment at grade.
- 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: Closing Date: 11:59pm Sunday 24 May 2026
