Senior Program Officer, AOD Policy, Reform & Programs

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Work-life balance

Job summary

The Victorian Department of Health is seeking a Senior Program Officer, AOD Treatment Programs, to lead the delivery of complex program, commissioning and performance activities that support the effectiveness, quality and sustainability of Victoria's alcohol and other drug treatment system.

This role advises on implementation, funding and contracts while building strong partnerships with funded organisations.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in fields related to public policy, health administration or business management is required.
• Sound understanding of the Victorian AOD system and department operating processes is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Leads delivery of complex program, commissioning and performance activities for AOD treatment.
• Provides expert advice on program implementation, funding, contractual matters and system issues.
• Maintains partnerships with funded organisations and government stakeholders.

Skills

Harm reduction policy

Stakeholder management

Briefs and reports

Project coordination

Data analysis

Education

Public policy / health administration / business management

Tools

Data systems

Excel

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DH/MHW/723652

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on
supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with
communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and
wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role:

The Senior Program Officer, AOD Treatment Programs, leads the delivery of complex program, commissioning and performance activities that support the effectiveness, quality and sustainability of Victoria's alcohol and other drug treatment system. The role is responsible for providing expert advice on program implementation, service performance, funding, contractual matters and emerging system issues, while maintaining strong partnerships with funded organisations and government stakeholders.

The position contributes to the design and implementation of reforms, drives continuous improvement initiatives and supports the achievement of government priorities by ensuring AOD treatment services are accessible, responsive and deliver positive outcomes for Victorians experiencing alcohol and other drug-related harms

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:

Can you demonstrate the following?

• Contributes to the development, implementation and evaluation of harm reduction policy and programs, including VPTS and early drug warning systems. Supports delivery of priority initiatives through research, analysis and project coordination
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, service providers, peak bodies and partner agencies
• Prepares high-quality briefs, reports, correspondence and presentations for senior executives and government.
• Manages discrete work packages within broader projects, including planning, monitoring and reporting
• Undertakes data analysis, literature reviews and environmental scans to inform policy development and program design.

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

• A tertiary qualification in fields related to public policy, health administration or business management is required.
• A sound understanding of the Victorian AOD system, and knowledge of the department and its operating processes and information systems is desirable. People with lived and living experience are encouraged to apply.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enablingVictorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

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 cultur ally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at [e-mail] . 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 participation in recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email [e-mail] . If you have questions regarding the role, please message the contact person 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 line with our Privacy Policy .

Applications close Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 11.59pm