Policy and Project Officer

Health and Community Services Directorate; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Health and Community Services Directorate – Canberra ACT is seeking a motivated Project and Policy Officer within our Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Branch. You will support strategic policy development, oversee project delivery, and help commission NGO services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The role requires strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to manage competing priorities across policy, program delivery, and evaluation.

Qualifications

• Experience in policy and program development, implementation and evaluation, commissioning, or project management will be highly regarded.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in health, mental health, or community services is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic mental health policy development and project delivery.
• Coordinate commissioning of NGO-based mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Prepare briefing materials and correspondence, and engage with stakeholders.
• Foster partnerships with NGOs and other key stakeholders.

Job description

Health and Community Services Directorate – Canberra ACT

Details: If you are someone who is passionate about supporting the mental health of the ACT and working closely with community stakeholders, we have an opportunity for a Project and Policy Officer within our Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Branch.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated team member with experience in health, mental health, community services, policy development, program delivery, project management, or a related field.

As part of the Design and Engagement Team, you will support strategic mental health policy development and project delivery, while playing a key role in the commissioning of community-based mental health services delivered by non-government organisations (NGOs), including services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The role involves providing policy advice on a diverse range of issues that influence the mental health and wellbeing of the ACT community. You will prepare briefing materials and correspondence, support stakeholder and community engagement activities, and contribute to the development of effective partnerships with NGOs and other key stakeholders.

We are looking for someone with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a collaborative approach to delivering positive outcomes. Experience in policy and program development, implementation and evaluation, commissioning, or project management will be highly regarded.

This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports high-quality mental health services and improved outcomes for people across the ACT community.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

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, cultural awareness, and capacity to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is highly desirable.
• Relevant experience and/or tertiary qualifications in a related field or equivalent experience in public health and/or public policy.

Note: A merit pool will be established from this selection process and may be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months. The Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Branch has a flexible approach to work with two office-based days and three work from home days. Our office-based days are Tuesday and Thursday at Bowes Street in Phillip.