57596

Closes: 07 October 2026

Classification: Senior Officer Grade C
Salary: $127,597 - $136,873 plus superannuation
Position No: 57596
Directorate: Health and Community Services
Advertised (Gazettal date): 23 September 2026
Contact Officer: Shanil Patwary on Shanil.Patwary@act.gov.au or (02) 6207 8746

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Details: The Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) plays a critical role in stewarding the ACT health system and delivering strong policy, population health, and research capability. Within HCSD, the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist provides strategic leadership to ensure mental health services meet community expectations, improve health outcomes, and remain innovative, effective, and sustainable.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to provide expert policy leadership and advice relating to the Mental Health Act 2015. Reporting within the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, you will support the Chief Psychiatrist and Care Coordinator in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities under the Act.

In this role, you will lead the development and review of policies, procedures, and legislative advice, while promoting best practice in the appropriate use of compulsory treatment processes. You will monitor and evaluate systems and processes associated with the Mental Health Act 2015, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen capability across the mental health sector.

Success in this position will require strong stakeholder engagement skills, as you will work closely with health services, consumers, carers, non-government organisations, and other key partners to develop practical solutions that enhance treatment, care, rehabilitation, support, and protection for people experiencing mental illness. You will also prepare high-quality ministerial briefings, correspondence, reports, and communication materials that support informed decision-making and effective governance.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy reform and improve mental health outcomes for the ACT community through strategic leadership, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.

Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) is an inclusive employer where all people are respected and valued for their contribution. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, People with Disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, mature age workers and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people.

Eligibility/Other Requirements:

• Prior to commencement, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• As this role is likely to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and young people, cultural awareness, the capacity to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is highly desirable.

Note: A merit pool may be established from the selection process to fill other vacancies with the same position duties and responsibilities. This may include Mental Health Act reform project roles.

How to Apply: A two-page written response addressing your ability to meet the Capabilities/Criteria under 'What you require' section outlined in the attached Position Description, and your current curriculum vitae and contact details of referees.

Applications should be submitted via the Apply Now button below.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.

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