Policy Officer - Prevention, Policy & First Peoples, Mental Health Policy

About this role

About the role:  Fixed term full time  18th Sept-2026

Reporting to the Manager Mental Health Policy, the Policy Officer will be part of a small team who maintain oversight of priority mental health and wellbeing policy challenges including:

• Management of intergovernmental relations
• Leading and coordinating responses to new and emerging issues and risks relating to mental health and wellbeing policy.
• Designing and overseeing the development of key strategic initiatives (e.g. Victorian eating disorder strategy, Victoria's strategy towards elimination of seclusion and restraint).

The Policy Officer develops strategic briefings and other policy documents, provides advice to internal stakeholders to support Senior Executives and Ministers for relevant cross-jurisdictional meetings and national Ministerial and Senior Officials intergovernmental forums in the mental health and wellbeing portfolio; and supports the management and coordination of briefing processes.

The Policy Officer will also support the delivery of the new Victorian eating disorders strategy and contribute to the development of a strategy to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint in Victoria's mental health and wellbeing system, as recommended by the Royal Commission.

Working as part of a small team, the Policy Officer will collaborate with people with lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress as consumers or family members, carers or supporters, the mental health and wellbeing workforce and service providers.

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:

• A tertiary qualification in fields related to public policy, public administration or public health would be desirable. Alternatively, the suitable applicant will have equivalent professional experience.
• The Mental Health and Wellbeing Division encourages people with lived experience of mental illness, psychological distress or suicide or lived experience as a carer of someone with mental illness, psychological distress and/or experiences of suicidal distress, or those who have been bereaved by suicide to apply.
• Experience in implementation of intergovernmental agreements and/or co-designing new strategies, programs and initiatives with service users and providers would be desirable would be desirable.

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.