Vacancy Reference No. 745162

This is for two 12 month Fixed Term appointments, with the possibility of extension(s) and/or permanency.  

WA Health embraces diversity and is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service.

WA Health supports flexible working practices within the context of a quality health service. WA Health is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles.

WA Health is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce as a part of WA Health’s Aboriginal Workforce Policy.  As a measure to achieve equality, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position.  Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

The Legal and Legislative Services unit has a number of exciting and professionally rewarding opportunities for suitably qualified, enthusiastic and dynamic individuals who want to be part of a dedicated team serving the WA health system and the wider community. We are seeking professionals who are interested in contributing to the development, review and implementation of legislation across the Health portfolio.

This job advertisement is for one Legislation and Research Officer (PSO Level 4) and one Legislation and Research Support Officer (PSO Level 3) position. Please identify on your application which position you are applying for.

As a member of Legal and Legislative Services, you will be part of the cutting edge of law and policy, contributing to significant legislative reforms that directly impact the health and wellbeing of Western Australians. The team plays a central role in developing, implementing and supporting legislation across some of the State's most complex and sensitive policy areas, including recent reforms relating to illicit tobacco and vaping products, public health emergencies, voluntary assisted dying, assisted reproductive technology, and medicines regulation.

The Legislation and Research Officer (Level 4) role assists with the review, coordination and implementation of legislation administered by the Department. This includes the development, review and preparation of subsidiary legislation, conducting research and analysis of health policy and legislation, and providing advice based on statutory interpretation. The role also provides assistance and support to the Legal and Legislative services team, including the preparation of briefing notes, correspondence and other instruments.

The Legislation and Research Support Officer (Level 3) role provides support for the review, coordination and administration of the Minister for Health’s legislative program. This includes assisting with the preparation of subsidiary legislation, undertaking preliminary research and information gathering to support analysis of health policy and legislation, and contributing to legislative projects. The role also provides administrative and coordination support to the Legal and Legislative services team, including the preparation of briefing notes and routine correspondence.

Joining Legal and Legislative Services will provide you with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development, including mentoring, acting opportunities, exposure to legislative reform processes and the opportunity to work alongside experienced legal and legislative professionals on significant matters affecting the WA community.

Site Profile: The Department of Health, led by the Director General, has been established as the System Manager responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and performance of the WA public health system to ensure the delivery of high-quality, sustainable, safe and timely health services.

The WA public health system employs approximately 50,000 dedicated staff who ensure the health and wellbeing of the State’s population throughout the metropolitan, regional and remote areas of WA. The WA health system as a single health entity covers an area covering approximately 2.5 million square kilometres.

The foundations that underpin essential services to the community include: supporting our workforce; robust standards for the delivery of high-quality and safe care, and optimal patient and community experience; sound financial management and clinical performance; supporting our workforce; infrastructure; and information and communications technology (ICT) delivery; and supporting and enhancing research and innovation.

Eligibility to Apply: To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have valid Australian work rights. This includes visa holders. Permanent appointments may be made to individuals who hold citizenship, permanent residency, or visas that enable ongoing employment in Australia. 

Other Conditions:  WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake a criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. As well as undertaking a criminal record screening and integrity checking, you may also be required to undertake a working with children check (if required for the role) and a pre-employment health assessment. We may ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. Please note that adverse information does not necessarily disqualify an applicant but will be considered as part of the appointment process.

Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, applicants found suitable for this position may be considered for other ‘similar’ vacancies within DOH and/or the wider WA public sector. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.

Employee Benefits:  In addition to the specified salary our employees enjoy a range of benefits which may include (in line with operational requirements):

• 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice. For further information on superannuation click here. 
• Access to salary packaging arrangements
• Professional Development Opportunities and Study Leave/assistance
• Flexible working arrangements
• Flexible leave arrangements
• Other professional allowances

Selection Criteria: Please see the attached Job Description Form (available online at www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au). 
 
For Further Job Related Information: Please contact Yen Mascarenhas, Senior Legislative Advisor, Legal and Legislative Services, on (08) 9222 2354 or email yen.mascarenhas@health.wa.gov.au.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. For a confidential discussion about support or adjustments, please contact the person listed above.

If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.

Application Instructions: Applicants are requested to apply online (www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au). Please note: Applicants must have a current, valid email address in order to apply online. This email address will be used for communication with applicants. 

If you are interested in being part of a supportive, cohesive, collaborative and dynamic team, apply now by submitting the following information and documents:

• A written statement of no more than two (2) pages addressing the essential selection criteria contained in the JDF of the role for which you are applying. Please include the position title and position number on your statement.
• If you are applying for both positions, please complete and attach two separate written statements addressing the essential selection criteria for each role.
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) that clearly shows your experience, talents and how you are able to meet the position requirements; and
• The name and contact details of two professional referees. One preferred to be your current supervisor or manager.

These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete the online application process as you will be required to answer various questions and attach your documentation. 

Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on, or after, 4:00pm will not be accepted. 
 
LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.