About the role: 

• The Principal Clinical Adviser supports the work of the OCP to facilitate the provision of high quality and responsive mental health and wellbeing services.
• The position provides leadership, clinical, operational and policy advice to the Chief Psychiatrist and responds to issues raised by mental health consumers, carers, clinicians, service providers and other stakeholders.
• The position supports the strategic leadership and clinical safety and quality functions of the OCP to meet statutory obligations in accordance with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022. 
• The Principal Clinical Adviser has responsibility for specific projects, with a particular focus on system-wide quality and safety initiatives, supporting service reviews, clinical audits and the work of advisory and statutory committees.
• With responsibility for a team of senior clinical advisers, the role also fosters development of clinical leadership and continuous improvement skills within the OCP.

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. 

How you'll make a difference:

• Provide timely expert advice and develop open and effective communication strategies including collection of highly complex, contentious or sensitive information on matters of staff or business.
• Proactively forge strong connections across the department and with external stakeholders to facilitate a partnership approach.
• Represent the department on key stakeholder committees and groups concerned with achieving government and departmental objectives, lead relevant committee and governance processes.
• Design and deliver projects that impact significant localised service delivery and meet state-wide departmental and government objectives and community expectations.
• Effectively manage and provide leadership to a team of employees by:
• leading and supporting individuals to achieve their potential and contribution to organisational goals and outcomes.
• modelling behaviours integral to good people management and departmental values.
• where relevant, managing and monitoring specific improvement objectives in annual improvement plans relating to the area of responsibility.
• pro-actively building and maintaining positive relationships with peers and stakeholders across the organisation.

• Provide strategic thinking and future planning and oversee change management initiatives and integrated approaches to enhance compliance with department-wide policies.

Suitable applicants will be able to demonstrate:

• Must be a qualified mental health clinician (mental health nurse, occupational therapist, psychologist or social worker) with appropriate registration.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of the clinical mental health and wellbeing service system, with a high level of understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks and objectives.

To learn more please click ‘Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website. 

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 including proof of 3 vaccinations (including booster) against COVID-19. 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.