Senior Policy Officer

Senior Policy Officer (External Relations) Senior Policy (External Relations) Officer (Patient Safety First Unit) Join a small passionate team dedicated to high quality, safe and caring healthcare at the NSW Ministry of Health. About Us You'll be joining the largest public health system in Australia and contribute to a world-class healthcare in NSW. Our core values of collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment are more than just words – they’re the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our work. We offer robust development and growth support to all our employees, ensuring you have the resources you need and opportunities to thrive. To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook. About This Role The Patient Safety Senior Policy (External Relations) Officer role is a key role in the Patient Safety First Unit. The role will draw on significant clinical experience and judgement to review complex clinical incidents, safety and quality indicators and current or emerging risks to the provision of safe, quality and caring health service delivery across NSW Health. The Senior Policy Officer will be a source of clear and considered advice on the actual and potential risks to the safety of patients and healthcare consumers, including the breadth and scale of the risk. The Senior Policy Officer will work in collaboration with the Clinical Excellence Commission and Health Care Complaints Commission. This role deals with extremely sensitive information including details of the deaths of neonates, children, and adults. The incumbent may be exposed to information that can cause significant personal distress. Crown Clerk 9/10, starting salary from $129,464 – $142,665 plus Super and annual leave loading, with a 35‑hour work week. What You’ll Be Doing Manage the portfolio of serious adverse events reported to the NSW Ministry of Health via Reportable Incident Briefs under the NSW Health Incident Management Policy (PD2020_047). Liaise and consult with key internal and external stakeholders including the Clinical Excellence Commission and Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) to exchange information and ensure the delivery of timely and appropriate advice. Provide timely, high‑quality written advice to senior Executive, the Health Secretary, and the Health Minister on key patient safety, clinical governance and quality issues. Analyse, coordinate, review and prepare quality responses to HCCC recommendations and reports. Respond to policy development and evaluation activities and projects addressing current and emerging patient safety, quality and clinical risk related policy issues. About You The ability to build and maintain relationships within the Ministry of Health and across the NSW Health system. The ability to work and thrive in a small dynamic team managing a high volume and fast pace. In‑person regular presence at the Ministry of Health is essential to build and maintain a strong supported team, capitalise on learning opportunities and provide immediate face‑to‑face advice and support for Ministry colleagues and executives. You can also exercise flexible work practices, including working from home by agreement. How To Apply All applicants must review the role description and apply by submitting an up‑to‑date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1–2 pages) and attach a response to the two target questions below: Describe a time where you negotiated and engaged with key stakeholders of all levels through a collaborative approach. What are some elements of effective consultation with stakeholders when dealing with an issue or proposal that is controversial or divisive? Describe how you approach providing advice to senior staff in short timeframes and on topic areas in which you are not an expert. How do you know if the advice you have provided is of high quality? For role‑related queries or questions contact and quote REQ . If you require adjustments to the recruitment process during the recruitment, please contact Khloe Yang on Closing Date Applications close Sunday 7 December 2025 at 11:59pm. Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 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, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative. Eligibility To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia. Additional Information This is a temporary role starting February 2026 – June 2027. This recruitment may create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) over the next 18 months. For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal. The selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. #J-18808-Ljbffr