Principal Policy Officer

• Principal Policy Officer, Violence, Abuse and Neglect Integration
• Join the Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect Unit in the Healthy Families and Communities Branch and help shape NSW Health’s strategic approach to preventing, identifying and responding to violence, abuse and neglect.
• Work in a dynamic environment where your expertise and ideas can make a difference.
• Work alongside dedicated professionals committed to evidence-based, culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches.
• Be part of an inclusive and diverse workplace where different perspectives and experiences are valued.

About us

Our values of collaboration, openness, respect and empowerment guide how we work.

To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.

About the role

This is an opportunity to contribute to the health and wellbeing of people and communities across NSW while developing your career within Australia’s largest health system.

In this role, you will

• provide strategic policy leadership to strengthen an integrated NSW Health response to violence, abuse and neglect
• lead and contribute to complex system-wide policy and reform initiatives
• strengthen governance, workforce capability, data and digital systems, performance monitoring and evaluation to support consistent, high-quality services across NSW Health
• build effective partnerships across NSW Health, other government agencies and key stakeholder groups to progress shared priorities.
• The position will work closely with health service providers, other government agencies and key stakeholders, and is supported by Senior Clinical Advisors.
• Crown Clerk 11/12, starting salary from $154,231 -$178,369 plus superannuation and annual leave loading, with a 35-hour work week, work location - 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards.
• For more information, please read the full Role Description.

What you'll be doing

You will lead policy development and projects designed to improve NSW Health's response to sexual assault, domestic and family violence, child abuse and neglect, and problematic and harmful sexual behaviours.

Working across NSW Health and in partnership with other agencies and stakeholders, you will translate strategic priorities and evidence into practical policy and system improvements that strengthen the quality, consistency and integration of responses to violence, abuse and neglect.

We are looking for an experienced senior policy professional who can navigate complexity, build strong relationships and influence across organisational boundaries. You will communicate with clarity, exercise sound judgement and bring people together to deliver outcomes across a complex health and government environment.

Flexible working

While regular office presence is essential, we can offer flexible work arrangements to support your:

Adjusting start and finish times

Working remotely for part of the week

Part-time arrangements

About you

• We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and demonstrated relevant leadership and management experience.
• Significant experience in developing, implementing and evaluating strategic and clinical policies, programs and projects in a multi-disciplinary and/or multi-agency environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic engagement with diverse stakeholders to deliver on complex strategic and clinical policies, programs and projects.
• Background or experience in violence, abuse and neglect clinical, policy or program work (or an adjacent area) or in the health system is preferred but not essential.

How to apply

At the Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you’ll get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders.

Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (up to 2 pages) which explains your interest and motivation in applying for this role and provide evidence of how you meet the requirements of the role.

Use the link below to access our Capability Application tool, designed to help you excel in the recruitment process. Practice your responses with the example questions provided to effectively highlight your achievements and the strategies you used to accomplish them.

Capability application tool | NSW Public Service Commission

For role related queries or questions contact Katherine Barnes, A/Director Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect at [email protected] and quote REQ680851.

As an organisation we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Lisa Byrne on [email protected]

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

At the Ministry of Health, 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.

1.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.

2.This is a temporary role and there may be opportunities for ongoing employment at grade.

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

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

Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey! Apply now!

Applications Close: 11.59pm Friday 13 November 2026