About the role: 

The Deputy Chief Health Officer is a senior clinical leadership role providing authoritative advice and leadership to support the Chief Health Officer, Deputy Secretary, Secretary, and staff in the Community and Public Health Division. The Deputy Chief Health Officer provides leadership across a range of communicable disease issues in the department, including particular support to the following teams: Immunisation, Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections, Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Enteric Diseases, Victorian Investigation of Complex STIs team, Biosecurity, Anti-Microbial Resistance and One Health.

The Deputy Chief Health Officer provides expert clinical and scientific advice and leadership on communicable and infectious disease public health issues and works in close collaboration with clinicians, laboratories and other stakeholders to achieve a reduction in avoidable harm to Victorians through prevention and control actions and responses to incidents and outbreaks.

As the Deputy Chief Health Officer, you will participate in emergency management activities, contribute to coordinating the prevention and response to public health incidents and represent the department on state and national committees as required. You will deputise as the Chief Health Officer as needed.

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:

Can you demonstrate the following?

• Provide high level authoritative public health clinical, technical and strategic advice and input to policy development, review and reporting on significant issues impacting communicable disease risk and to promote and protect public health of Victorians.
• Represent the department on committees at the state, national and community level to promote and protect public health.
• Lead investigations and review incidents and issues including investigations into both communicable and non-communicable disease clusters and provide reports to the Chief Health Officer.
• Act as spokesperson as authorised by the Chief Health Officer to communicate health protection risks and actions to protect the health of the community.
• Provide oversight to the development of standards, procedures, guidelines and policies using consultative and cooperative processes within the department, with Local Public Health Units and the broader public health.
• Supporting and coaching managers to lead and effectively manage staff to deliver quality work / monitoring professional development goals and completion of performance development plans
• Leading and supporting individuals to achieve their potential and contribute to organisational goals and outcomes /modelling behaviours integral to good people management and departmental values

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

Mandatory:

• Current registration as a medical practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in Public Health and/or Infectious Diseases
• Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians - Australasia
• Faculty of Public Health Medicine, or a relevant RACP specialty such as Infectious Diseases.
• Senior experience in public health at state or national level.
• Senior level experience in contemporary regulatory practice and regulation.
• Knowledge and understanding of current key public health issues, public health response, delivery and management of public health programs.

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.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.  

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.