Principal Legal Officer

Role Title: Principal Legal Officer

•    Employment type: Full-time, ongoing
•    35 hour working week, in a hybrid working environment
•    Conveniently located in Sydney CBD, close to public transport
•    Be a part of an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve 

About this role

The Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Principal Legal Officer to lead a legal team that play a pivotal role in providing high level legal services and expert and strategic advice relating to the regulation of health practitioners.

Reporting directly to the Director – Legal, Governance & Risk, you will collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including Senior Managers across the HPCA, the 15 NSW Health Professional Councils, the NSW Ministry of Health and co-regulatory partners including the Health Care Complaints Commission and Ahpra.

Legal Officer Grade VI, salary from $154,840 to $158,102 plus Super and annual leave loading

For more information, read the full Role Description.

What you'll be doing

The successful candidate will provide high level legal services and advice to the HPCA and 15 Health Professional Councils, including overseeing legal advice and legal proceedings, and providing advice on complex issues and disputes, while also educating and developing the capabilities of the Councils as regulators and HPCA staff.

About you 

We are seeking motivated and committed individuals with: 
•    Tertiary qualifications in law, admission as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of NSW and eligibility for an unrestricted practicing certificate from the NSW Law Society
•    Significant experience in litigation including advocacy, preparing expert legal advice, drafting legal documents, legal research in complex and contentious areas, administrative law and litigation
•    A proven track record of being people focused, with excellent communication skills and experience in or ability to quickly acquire knowledge of administrative law practice preferably within a regulatory environment.

How to apply

All applicants must review the role description and submit a copy of your resume and a statement in responses two targeted questions below. Your response to the two questions should be contained to one page.

If you do not include responses to the below questions your application will not be considered. 

Target Questions:

1.    What elements do you see as important in the supervision and management of lawyers who conduct complex casework and provide services to a regulating body for health professionals? Give an example of how you have applied these elements.
2.    Outline an initiative you have led that has resulted in improved efficiency of a team you worked with or directly managed.  Did you encounter barriers and if so, how did you overcome these. What was the outcome and what lessons did you learn?

For role related queries or questions please contact Sharon Campbell Director Legal, Governance and Risk on ***************@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ473409

Closing Date: 27 March 2024

Working at Health Professional Councils Authority

The Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA) is an executive agency of the NSW Ministry of Health.  We play an important role in protecting the health and safety of the public by supporting the 15 NSW Health Professional Councils in managing complaints about NSW health practitioners.

The position is based at the HPCA Pitt Street offices, located only a short walking distance from Central Station and Belmore Park. There are a number of facilities located within the building, including a food court, a rooftop garden, yoga and Pilates sessions, end of trip amenities, including bike storage. The HPCA upholds NSW Health CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment. 

Benefits

•    Hybrid working arrangements, up to 2 days per week from home 
•    Flex leave, in addition to annual leave
•    Fuel your professional growth with access to great learning and development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning and employer support of CPD and other professional development opportunities
•    Employee support services for guidance and assistance, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally
•    Access to the Fitness Passport, encouraging a healthy lifestyle both in and out of the office

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

At the HPCA we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months. 

For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health career portal.

Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role

Considering the significant risks posed by COVID-19, the Ministry of Health expects all workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and you will be required to show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status prior to securing this role. 

Applications Close: 23:59pm, Wednesday, 27 March 2024