Director, Aod Policy And Programs

About the role:
* Leads promotion of good mental health and wellbeing in the Victorian community and the prevention and reduction of mental illness and harm associated with AOD use
* SES-1, $216,376 - $279,238 p.a. including super + 5 Year Fixed Term Contract
* Hybrid WFH /Melbourne CBD
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.
How you'll make a difference:
The Director, AOD Policy and Programs will be responsible for leading and coordinating Alcohol and Other Drugs portfolio activity within the department. This will include leading the development of strategic and legislative AOD reforms, including harm reduction, through an evidence-based approach informed by lived experience. The role will also lead performance oversight and stewardship of the AOD system including commissioning, operational policy development and implementation, and provider performance and improvement.
The Director leads a team of Policy and system management experts who work collaboratively to lead and respond to emerging issues and risks within the AOD sector and provide guidance on government actions and reforms needed to reduce harms associated with drug and alcohol use.
Accountabilites
* Lead and oversee the development of mental health (MH), and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) policy options, research and analysis and develop solutions, working collaboratively
* with lived experience and commissioning areas within the division.
* Develop timely, high-quality advice and subject matter expertise for government, senior levels of the organisation and external stakeholders in relation to priority strategy, Policy and service delivery issues
* Provide high-quality advice to the department's ministers, the Secretary, the DeputySecretary, Mental Health and Wellbeing Division and work closely with other government departments, other areas of the department and funded sectors to achieve positive outcomes.
* Provide appropriate and timely internal communication of risks and issues in service delivery and clear and meaningful interpretation of performance results across the sector.
* Identify, monitor and develop appropriate responses to emerging service delivery and performance issues through development of excellent working relationships with stakeholders
* Maintain good awareness of the current political and government context and support the Executive Director to effectively liaise with Minister's advisors, media and communications teams and senior executives including the Secretary through timely, objective and impartial advice
* Manage financial resources within allocation and contribute to departmental budget planning processes and ensure risks to budget are appropriately escalated and advocacy sought as required.
* Keep accurate and complete records of your work activities in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's records, information security and privacy policies and requirements.
* Lead people management within the branch and strategically plan and build a workforce that is professional and maintain a cohesive culture that embraces collaboration, integrity and innovation.
* Represent Mental Health and Wellbeing Division at relevant government and stakeholder forums.
* Model adaptive leadership attributes and the behaviours and attributes of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division.
* Take reasonable care for your own health and safety, and for that of others in the workplace, by working in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's occupational
* health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.
* Work in collaboration with a broad range of partners and stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.
What we offer:
* The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
* A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
* A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.
How to apply:
Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.
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 disabilities, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. Please view our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion here.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks including proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence, in line with our Privacy Policy.
The Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) Recruitment Policy allows for priority consideration for Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform. As such, these employees are strongly encouraged to submit their application through JSE rather than via external advertisement.