Overview

Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time

Salary: $116,413 - $140,849

Grade: VPS 5

Occupation: Projects

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DH/MHW/777830

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on
supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with
communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and
wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role:

The Senior Program Advisor works within a team reporting to the Manager, Mental Health Performance and Commissioning, and is responsible for supporting oversight, improvement and commissioning of acute mental health services and programs. The role leads responses to new and emerging issues and risks relating to service delivery, performance, governance, access and system sustainability.

The position has a strong focus on service demand, flow, utilisation, access and sustainability, and requires the integration of operational insight, data analysis and financial assessment to inform commissioning decisions, performance interventions and system improvement activities.

The role involves developing and maintaining effective relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including health services and departmental partners. It is well suited to someone who enjoys working in a collaborative and quick-paced environment that requires systems thinking, sound judgement, strong communication skills and a commitment to improving outcomes for people experiencing mental illness.

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 secure, 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.

About you:

Can you demonstrate the following?

- Lead performance oversight of acute mental health services, with a focus on access, flow, and consumer outcomes
- Support core commissioning functions including service planning, specification, funding alignment, performance monitoring and program management
- Apply understanding of health service delivery models to assess operational performance and identify improvement opportunities
- Work with health services to inform performance improvement
- Provide high quality policy advice, options and recommendations to senior management and government based on comprehensive research and analysis
- Forge strong connections across the department and with the health sector to share information and facilitate a partnership approach to implementation of key initiatives.

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

- A tertiary qualification in fields related to health, public policy, business and/or management is required.
- Demonstrated experience in health service delivery, health service operations, or system performance roles.
- Demonstrated experience in analysing health service data and/or financial performance.
- Understanding of Victorian mental health funding, commissioning and performance frameworks is highly desirable.

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.
- 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 wel l 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 disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at [email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to participation in recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email [email protected]. Please note that unsolicited applications from third parties cannot be accepted. If you have questions regarding the role, please message the contact person listed on the advertisement directly.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in line with our Privacy Policy.

Applications close Monday 17 August 2026 at 11.59pm

Posted

3 August 2026

📌 Senior Project Adviser, Performance and Commissioning (Melbourne)
🏢 Department Of Health
📍 Melbourne