The Team:

Mental Health Strategy and Reform (MHSR) is a central business unit within Statewide Mental Health Services (SMHS) under the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing (CMHW) portfolio of the Department of Health, Tasmania (the Department). MHSR works across the Department to drive improvements in mental health, alcohol and drug services delivered in the public health, hospital, and community settings. Using co-design and evidence-based practice, MHSR supports policy development, project planning and delivery, guided by strategic priorities to meet the evolving needs of the Tasmanian community.

The Role:

Working as part of a team to implement the Statewide Mental Health Services (SMHS) Reform, the Policy and Project Officer will:

• Support the planning, development, implementation and review of frameworks, systems, and processes that provide key reform program deliverables, which are to be achieved by the identified target dates.
• Participate in various meetings and be a positive role model and advocate for reform.
• Develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with the relevant reform team to undertake functions associated with the broader SMHS Reform Program. 

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

You will need:

1. Demonstrated high-level knowledge of and experience in public policy analysis, development and implementation, strategic planning, research, evaluation, and administration of public funds.
2. Demonstrated high-level project management and organisational skills including the ability to formulate and manage complex and diverse projects, and demonstrated ability to meet the agreed time, cost, and quality outcomes.
3. Demonstrated high level verbal and written skills with the ability to communicate, consult and liaise with a wide range of stakeholders, confidently and clearly convey ideas and information, prepare complex documentation including high level correspondence, submissions, project plans, briefings and reports, and to negotiate differing opinions.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

Details of appointment:

Fixed term, full time, day worker position, working up to 76 hours per fortnight, commencing January 2026 until 30 July 2027.

*notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.

Salary: $107,899 to $122,292 per annum. Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.

• Salary range is in accordance with Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement 2022

Salary Packaging:

You’ll have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible. 

Benefits available to eligible candidates:

• Professional development and accelerated pathways.
• A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
• Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.

More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here

Eligibility:

Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:

• Satisfactory completion of an appropriate course of study from a recognised tertiary institution
• Current Driver’s Licence

Position Features: 

The positions work across different areas as identified:

• Position 525783 is part of the Implementation and Operationalisation Team
• Position 525784 is part of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Team

Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.

Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents

We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.

Statement of Duties:

525783 Policy and Project Officer Band 6

Application Guide:

Department of Health - Applicant Guide

How to apply:

Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.

You will be prompted to complete a 1–2-page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.

For more information:

Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.

Name: Frances Hall
Position: Manager
Phone number: (03) 6166 1596
Email address: frances.hall@health.tas.gov.au 

What it is like working at the Department of Health? 

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellent are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!

Make It Tasmania | Move for a great lifestyle

One Health Podcast - Spotify 

One Health Podcast - Apple 

Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian 

Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).

Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.