Senior Policy Officer, Commissioner's Office

Southern NSW Local Health District; Sydney; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mental Health Commission NSW is seeking a skilled Senior Policy Officer to join the Commissioner’s Office in Sydney. This role provides strategic advice, leads policy projects and supports advocacy on mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention across NSW.

The Senior Policy Officer will manage multiple priorities, prepare concise briefs, position papers and submissions, and work with senior leaders and government partners to drive reform and improvements for people with lived experience,

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant discipline (Social or Public Policy/Health/Public Administration/Law).
• Superior writing and analytical skills, strong attention to detail, ability to interpret complex policy and develop effective advice.
• Experience within the Mental Health and/or suicide prevention sector with a sound knowledge of the service system.
• A sound understanding of government processes including parliamentary and cabinet processes.
• Knowledge of NSW Mental Health Commission and issues affecting people with lived experience and carers.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice and lead policy projects within the Commissioner’s Office.
• Prepare correspondence, presentations and speaking notes for the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners.
• Develop regular reports, position papers and submissions on government or sector consultation reports.
• Lead on some policy papers and briefs to progress reform and advocacy initiatives.

Skills

Policy analysis

Written communication

Public policy writing

Stakeholder engagement

Attention to detail

Research skills

Education

Degree in Public Policy or related field

Job description

Senior Policy Officer

Commissioner’s Office

Clerk Grade 9/10

Salary Range: $133,348 – $146,945 (+ superannuation and leave loading).

Full Time Ongoing

See here for further details on the Crown Clerk pay rates.

The Mental Health Commission NSW is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Policy Officer to join the Commissioner's Office. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention reform in NSW, providing strategic advice, leading policy projects and supporting the Commission's advocacy on issues that matter to people with lived experience, families, carers and communities across the state.

About the Mental Health Commission of NSW

The Mental Health Commission of New South Wales (the Commission) was established in July 2012 to lead, drive and measure mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention reform across whole of government. Our progressive work shapes contemporary policies to achieve the best outcomes for the people of NSW.

We work collaboratively with government agencies, peak bodies, community-managed organisations, academics, advocacy groups and service providers to achieve better outcomes for all people in NSW.

We are based in the Sydney CBD and have agreed flexible working arrangements.

The Commission is committed to equal employment opportunity and embraces diversity and inclusion within its workforce. People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Visit us at: http://www.nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au

Primary Purpose of the Role

The Senior Policy Officer is a key member of the Commissioner’s Office, supporting the priorities of the Commissioner in managing multiple projects, providing well researched advice and position statements, preparing correspondence, presentations and speaking notes for the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners. This role scans the political environment and keeps abreast of issues and trends in the mental health and suicide prevention landscape in order to provide advice to progress the strategy of the Commission. The role produces high quality, timely and succinct advice, clear and concise papers and briefings in support of the Commission’s Executive functions. It works with other members of the Commissioner’s Office team to develop regular reports, position papers and submissions on government or sector consultation reports and papers and will take the lead on some of these. This role also provides support to the Manager, Commissioner’s Office and Strategic Relations to fulfil the statutory functions of the Commission.

About You

You have significant experience working within the mental health and/or suicide prevention sector and a strong understanding of the policy, service delivery and reform landscape. You are a highly skilled policy professional with experience working in or closely with government and a strong understanding of public policy development, analysis and implementation. You enjoy working in complex and dynamic environments, providing high-quality advice to senior leaders, and managing multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail. You are an exceptional writer and critical thinker, able to analyse complex information, identify emerging issues and trends, and translate evidence into clear, concise and influential briefings, submissions, correspondence and position papers. You are comfortable providing strategic advice on sensitive and complex matters and exercising sound judgement in politically and publicly accountable environments. You build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and work collaboratively across government, the mental health and suicide prevention sector, and the broader community to progress reform initiatives and improve outcomes for people in NSW. You are proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused, with a strong understanding of government processes and a genuine commitment to advancing mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention outcomes through evidence-based policy and system reform.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in a relevant discipline (Social or Public Policy/Health/Public Administration/Law)
• Superior writing and analytical skills, strong attention to detail, experience interpreting complex policy, reports or reviews regarding systemic issues that impact mental health and wellbeing, and the ability to undertake research and analysis to develop effective advice
• Experience within the Mental Health and/or suicide prevention sector with a sound knowledge of the service system.
• A sound understanding of government processes including parliamentary and cabinet processes.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the role of the NSW Mental Health Commission and the broad range of issues affecting people with lived experience of mental health issues and caring, families and kinship groups.

Applications close: Monday 5th October 2026 (11.59pm)

NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.