Deputy Chief Psychiatrist

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.
Job Details
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Department: Department of Health
Work Type: Fixed term - full time
Job Function: Executive Management
Classification: See Advertisement
Work Location: Melbourne - CBD
Reference: VG/00723601
Closing Date: 19-Feb-2025
Salary Range: See Advertisement
Job Duration: 3 Years
Attachments: 723601 Deputy Chief Psychiatrist Position Description Feb 2025.docx (Word, 166KB)
Position Description

723601 Deputy Chief Psychiatrist Position Description Feb 2025.pdf (PDF, 124KB)
Position Description

Contact: Assoc Prof Sophie Adams
sophie.adams@health.vic.gov.au

Position Details

About the role: 

The Deputy Chief Psychiatrist has a leadership function in the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist (OCP) and acts on behalf of the Chief Psychiatrist in their absence.

The Deputy Chief Psychiatrist supports the Chief Psychiatrist in their role, which is defined in section 266 of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 as:

  • providing clinical leadership and expert clinical advice to clinical mental health service providers
  • promoting the highest standard of clinical practices and care in clinical mental health service providers
  • promoting the rights of persons receiving mental health and wellbeing services from clinical mental health service providers
  • providing advice to the Minister and the Health Secretary about the provision of mental health and wellbeing services by clinical mental health service providers.

As part of this, the Chief Psychiatrist delegates their powers and duties to the Deputy Chief Psychiatrist (other than the power of delegation). 

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:

  • Assist the Chief Psychiatrist to drive high quality service delivery across Victoria through:
    • supporting clinical mental health service providers to comply with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, regulations and codes of practice
    • promoting cultural change around clinical practice to achieve the objectives and principles of the Act
    • developing and assisting clinical mental health service providers in complying with standards, guidelines and practice directions
    • monitoring the provision of clinical mental health services in order to improve quality and safety, including conducting clinical practice audits and clinical reviews.
  • Contribute specialist knowledge and expertise to the development of standards, guidelines and practice directions relevant to the provision of mental health services.
  • Represent the mental health sector and provide high-level policy and service delivery advice to the Minister, Secretary and Deputy Secretary and represent, as appropriate, the Department on mental health service issues.
  • Model and support high quality clinical leadership and governance across the mental health sector. Provide advice on the best care and treatment of consumers, reviewing case files, participating in case consultations and advising on care, participating in clinical practice audits and clinical reviews, and providing expertise and advice to government reviews, reports and projects involving the mental health (including care and wellbeing) of consumers.
  • Promote the rights of people receiving treatment and care from clinical mental health service providers

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 & Sector.
  • A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date. 

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 at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy

The Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) Recruitment Policy allows for priority consideration for employees who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform. As such, these employees are strongly encouraged to submit their application through the JSE. 


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