Senior Clinical Adviser, Office of the 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: Ongoing - full time
Job Function: Health and Allied Health
Classification: VPSG5
Work Location: Melbourne - CBD
Reference: VG/DH/MHW/723694
Closing Date: 17-May-2026
Salary Range: $116,413 - $140,849
Job Duration: Ongoing
Attachments: VPS 5 Senior Clinical Adviser OCP 27 March 2026 V1.docx (Word, 170KB)


VPS 5 Senior Clinical Adviser OCP 27 March 2026 V1.pdf (PDF, 242KB)


Contact: Cayte Hoppner
cayte.hoppner@health.vic.gov.au

Position Details

About the role: 

The role of the Senior Clinical Adviser supports the Chief Psychiatrist to facilitate the provision of high quality, safe, compassionate and responsive public mental health services. The position provides expert and timely clinical, operational and policy advice to the Chief Psychiatrist and responds to issues raised by mental health consumers, carers, clinicians and other service providers.

The position supports the leadership and clinical safety and quality functions of the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist in accordance with statutory obligations under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022.

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 expert advice on complex matters and consult with consumers, carers, service providers, government and non-government agencies, professional bodies and other stakeholders, in generating solutions to issues pertaining to mental health service delivery.
  • Undertake high-level research and investigations into service delivery issues, risks and trends impacting on achieving our vision and strategic objectives, policy initiatives and operational imperatives. 
  • Provide expert and authoritative advice, reasoned recommendations and innovative options and solutions to complex and sensitive issues. 
  • Prepare and present detailed, comprehensive reports, discussion papers, and ministerial briefs on complex mental health matters related to the functions of the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist.  
  • Participate in the development of clinical guidelines and the Chief Psychiatrist's clinical audits

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

  • Tertiary qualifications in nursing or an allied health discipline are mandatory.
  • Demonstrated significant clinical experience within the mental health sector in a current senior clinical or management role as a nurse or allied health professional.
  • Demonstrated sound knowledge and experience of the clinical mental health service system at a senior level with a high level of understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks and objectives.
  • Demonstrated sound knowledge and experience of clinical governance frameworks and quality and safety functions in clinical mental health services.  

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.


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