Legal Officer
Role Title: Legal Officer
• Employment type: Full-time, temporary (up to 23 August 2025)
• 35 hour working week, in a hybrid working environment
• Offices conveniently located in Sydney CBD, close to public transport
• Be a part of an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve
About this role
An exciting opportunity currently exists for a Legal Officer to join the HPCA, based at our Pitt Street office.
Reporting to the Principal Legal Officer, The Legal Officer is responsible for providing legal services and advice including the conduct of simple legal proceedings in courts and tribunals in relation to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW).
This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional to join a dedicated and highly regarded team and be a key contributor in working in partnership of health practitioners to protect the public of NSW.
Legal Officer Grade I- III, salary from $74,050 to $125,521 plus Super and annual leave loading
For more information, read the full Role Description.
What you'll be doing
• Represent or act on behalf of the HPCA/Council in simple matters including uncontested litigation as well as briefing and instructing counsel in more complex litigation
• Provide sound advice to Councils, committees, regulatory panels and HPCA staff on any aspect of the law but particularly administrative law.
• Draft and present accurate, clear and concise documents and advice within required timeframes to enable effective responses to changing and challenging issues. On occasion, instruct and liaise with external lawyers in more complex proceedings.
• Prepare contracts and memoranda of understanding between HPCA and Councils and their service providers and partners.
• Contribute to the development of legal capability within the organisation and externally through articles, training and public presentations to improve knowledge of the law and regulation that governs the Council operations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies, policies, processes and documentation to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and continuous improvement in the management of legal services.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of health practitioner regulation.
About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals with:
• Tertiary qualifications in law, admission as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of NSW and eligibility for a practicing certificate from the NSW Law Society and understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities of lawyers
• Demonstrated experience in preparing legal advice, drafting legal and documents and legal research.
• Familiarity with the principles of natural justice and their application in quasi-judicial hearings.
How to apply
All applicants must review the role description and submit a copy of their resume and a statement in responses two targeted questions below. Your response to the two questions should be contained to one page.
If you do not include responses to the below questions your application will not be considered.
Target Questions:
1. Outline your skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the giving of legal advice or representing clients in legal proceedings.
2. What do you consider to be the main challenges of balancing a busy legal practice, which include both advice work and litigation?
For role related queries or questions please contact Christine Campbell, Principal Legal Officer on christine.campbell3@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ484206.
Closing Date: 26 May 2024
Working at Health Professional Councils Authority
The Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA) is an executive agency of the NSW Ministry of Health. We play an important role in protecting the health and safety of the public by supporting the 15 NSW Health Professional Councils in managing complaints about NSW health practitioners.
The position is based at the HPCA Pitt Street offices, located only a short walking distance from Central Station and Belmore Park. There are a number of facilities located within the building, including a food court, a rooftop garden, yoga and Pilates sessions, end of trip amenities, including bike storage. The HPCA upholds NSW Health CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.
Benefits
• Hybrid working arrangements, up to 2 days per week from home
• Flex leave, in addition to annual leave
• Fuel your professional growth with access to great learning and development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning and employer support of CPD and other professional development opportunities
• Employee support services for guidance and assistance, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally
• Access to the Fitness Passport, encouraging a healthy lifestyle both in and out of the office
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the HPCA 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
Considering the significant risks posed by COVID-19, the Ministry of Health expects all workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and you will be required to show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status prior to securing this role.
Applications Close: 23:59pm on Sunday, 26 May 2024
