This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a Senior Solicitor to join the Department of Health’s Legal and Legislative Services Unit and to be at the forefront of the Department’s legal response to the Public Health State of Emergency in respect of COVID-19.
This is a Permanent full-time opportunity.
The Legal and Legislative Services Unit in the Department of Health are seeking applications from suitably qualified, enthusiastic and dynamic individuals for the position of Senior Solicitor.
In this role you will be responsible for managing a team of lawyers and legislative advisors, providing leadership and supervision across the team in the provision of legal advice and the development of legislation. As a Senior Solicitor, you will provide legal advice on complex and sensitive matters which affect the Department of Health and the wider WA health System. This includes the provision of advice and support in relation to the Public Health State of Emergency in respect of COVID-19. You will also oversee the review and development of primary and subsidiary legislation in accordance with the Minister for Health’s legislative agenda.
You will be expected to implement strategies to ensure flexibility within your team, inspiring teamwork and encouraging personal development while dealing with underperformance promptly to ensure standards are maintained. You will be prepared for the unique challenges that arise in managing the legal issues relating to the Public Health State of Emergency for Covid-19, where the ability to respond to rapidly changing circumstances is critical to the achievement of positive outcomes for the community.
To be successful in this role, you will:
- Be a legal practitioner eligible to practice in WA with substantial experience in providing high level complex but practical legal advice in a time-sensitive environment;
- Be able to demonstrate strong leadership and management skills, with a proven track record of managing a team and resources to achieve business outcomes and a proven capacity to be flexible and adaptable;
- Have a demonstrated ability to build and sustain productive relationships with a diverse range of internal and extenal stakeholders;
- Have a proven ability to think strategically, manage risk and communicate effectively and persuasively.
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 cohesive, collaborative and dynamic team, apply now by submitting the following information and documents:
- A written statement of no more than 3 pages demonstrating that you have the skills and experience we are looking for (in 1-4).
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) that clearly shows your experience, key competencies and achievements as they relate to the role.
- The name and contact details of two professional referees. One preferred to be your current line manager.
There is no job description form to accompany this recruitment so use the above information to guide your application.
WA Health is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service. We embrace diversity and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.
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.
Eligibility to Apply: Australian citizenship or permanent residency is an essential requirement for applicants to be considered for permanent positions in the public sector.
All WA health system employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access health care facilities, pursuant to the Health Worker (Restrictions on Access) Directions (HWAD) and the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination and Vaccination Program Policy, unless the employee is exempt pursuant to the HWAD.
Other Conditions: WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. Referees may also be asked to comment on an applicant’s integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour.
This selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy. Applicants assessed as suitable during this selection process may be considered for other similar vacancies for up to 12 months following this initial appointment. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.
Employee Benefits: In addition to the great salary our employees enjoy an amazing range of benefits which may include (in line with operational requirements):
- 10% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice. For further information click here.
- Access to generous salary packaging arrangements
- Professional Development Opportunities and Study Leave/assistance
- Flexible working arrangements
- Flexible leave arrangements
- Other professional and location based allowances
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 43,000 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.
For Further Job Related Information: Please contact Jane Laurence, General Counsel and Director, Legal and Legislative Services Unit on (08) 9222 4038 or email jane.laurence@health.wa.gov.au Please don’t send your application to Ms Laurence or contact her about lodging your application.
If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.
Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on, or after, 4:00pm will not be accepted.
LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
