Senior Policy Officer, Planned Surgery Reform in Melbourne

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role: The Senior Policy Officer, Planned Surgery Reform, will contribute to the implementation of the Planned Surgery Reform Blueprint across Victoria, whilst building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders who represent a workforce, consumer and government lens. Specifically, this role will lead the Patient Support Unit program which assists long waiting patients to be informed and supported to undergo their planned surgery journey and same day surgery reform.

About us: At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected. We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you: Key Accountabilities Include:

• Develops practical solutions to complex problems: Leading and contributing to complex policy development and projects to ensure high-quality outputs are delivered within agreed timeframes and budget, and results can inform policy development. Develop complex briefing products for Ministerial, senior departmental executive and executive sector stakeholders.
• Develop strong working relationships with government and health sector bodies: Proactively build and maintain effective working relationships and facilitate the flow of information across the department and with key external stakeholders. Work across multiple projects, including engaging with stakeholders, and working in multidisciplinary teams to meet emerging pressures and demands, as required.

Qualification(s): A tertiary qualification in fields related to health, public policy, business and/or management, or health administration would be desirable. Specialist expertise: Knowledge and experience in government, health sector and/or health service delivery would be desirable, with skills and experience in policy/project management and implementation.

What we offer: The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world. A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service. A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians.

All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process.

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