Deputy Secretary, Hospitals and Health Services

About this role

About the role: 

Reporting to the Secretary, Department of Health, the Deputy Secretary, Hospitals and Health Services provides stewardship of the state's health, aged care and ambulance services and focuses on ensuring Victorian people can access high quality hospital, ambulance, and public aged care.

The Deputy Secretary leads the commissioning of healthcare provided by hospitals and affiliated services and acts as the department's primary relationship holder for those services. Furthermore, this position sets and stewards the strategic direction and framework for health services and leads their operational improvement and reform.

In addition to leading this portfolio of work, the Deputy Secretary plays a critical role in ensuring that the strategic priorities of the division are shared, connected and supported from initiation to implementation. The Deputy Secretary provides authoritative and strategic advice to Ministers, the Department's executive team, and key stakeholders, including other Victorian Government departments.

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:

• Oversee the commissioning of healthcare services, including planning, purchasing, monitoring and managing healthcare services to meet population need and improve outcomes.
• Together with Hospitals Victoria, driving healthcare service performance; engagement with executive-level internal and external stakeholders; monitoring emerging health and community care system trends; and developing long-term and multi-phased plans that align with the Government's strategic goals.
• Experience in a health context, particularly contemporary approaches to health system demand and capacity management, will be an advantage.
• Originate and oversee highly complex and strategic priority projects within the department on behalf of the Secretary, making decisions and providing critical advice that impacts the wider organisational direction and successful implementation of new government priorities, initiatives and reform.
• Expertise in leading and delivering change in complex environments, and a deep understanding of the Victorian health and community care system, will be an advantage.
• Shape and implement multi-faceted policy and operational reform without losing sight of ensuring exceptional delivery of day-to-day functions.
• Lead departmental strategic thinking and oversee critical change management initiatives and integrated approaches that enhance delivery of department and state-wide priorities, making judgements and managing complex risk in the context of uncertainty.
• Identify and investigate complex issues and critical risks specific to health services and develop mitigation strategies by reviewing and analysing impacts on the health sector and considering of legislation, policy, service standards and regulation to review or develop new guidelines.

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.