General Counsel

Position Profile: This role is responsible for ensuring that accurate and timely expert legal advice is provided to the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Chief Executive, the WACHS Board, Executive, and WACHS staff on a wide range of issues.The position coordinates and provides high level and strategic legal advice on the legal frameworks, interpretation and application of legislation, compliance and commercial matters and medico-legal litigation for WACHS and represents WACHS in relevant jurisdictions pertaining to its clinical and operational services.The position also is responsible for managing the flow of work between WACHS and the State Solicitor’s Office (SSO), including assisting stakeholders with the interpretation of legal advice provided by SSO.Eligibility to Apply: Australian citizenship or permanent residency is an essential requirement for applicants to be considered for permanent positions in the public sector.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.Please note this recruitment process requires completion of satisfactory Pre-Employment Health Assessment (PEHA). Any offer of employment with WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is conditional on satisfactory PEHA to ensure you are able to perform the inherent requirements of the position. An unsatisfactory PEHA will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn. Please see the attached WACHS PEHA Policy for further information. Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, it may also be used to fill other "similar" vacancies throughout the health service. 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.Area Profile: The WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is the largest country health system in Australia and one of the biggest in the world, providing health services to approximately half a million people, including 45,000 Aboriginal people, over a vast two and a half million square kilometre area. The organisation comprises seven regions, with a strong network of public hospitals, health services and health centres located across rural and remote Western Australia. Our core business is the provision of quality, accessible health services to country WA residents and visitors.Employee Benefits: In addition to the great salary our employees enjoy an amazing range of benefits which may include (in line with operational requirements):

• 11% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice. For further information

. * 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

Selection Criteria: Please see the attached Job Description Form.For Further Job Related Information: We encourage you to contact James Thomas on 0418 537 210.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.It is preferable for your referee to be a current supervisor or manager.Applicants are advised to write a statement addressing the selection criteria in no more than 2-3 pages and provide a detailed curriculum vitae which summarises your experience and how you are able to meet the position requirements. 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.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.