Closes: 24 September 2026

Classification: Senior Officer Grade B Salary: $149,172 - $167,151 plus superannuation

Position No: 56838

Directorate: Health and Community Services

Advertised (Gazettal date): 10 September 2026

Contact Officer: Marisa Bialowas on [email protected] or (02) 5124 9966

Details: Are you an experienced leader with a strong understanding of mental health policy, legislation, and service delivery? An exciting opportunity exists to join the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist in a senior leadership role supporting the Chief Psychiatrist and Care Coordinator to fulfil statutory responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 2015.

As the Director, you will provide strategic advice, operational leadership, and business management support to the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist. You will work closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, including health services, consumers, carers, community organisations, and government partners, to drive initiatives that improve the treatment, care, rehabilitation, support, and protection of people experiencing mental illness.

The role requires a strong focus on governance, legislative compliance, and system improvement. You will lead efforts to strengthen capability across the mental health sector in the appropriate use of compulsory treatment powers, while overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of systems and processes associated with the Mental Health Act 2015. You will also prepare high-level ministerial and executive briefings, provide expert advice on mental health legislation and involuntary care, and represent the Chief Psychiatrist in a variety of internal and external forums.

As a senior leader,



you will manage and support staff within the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist and contribute to the effective operation of committees and governance structures facilitated by, or attended by, the Chief Psychiatrist.

This is a unique opportunity to influence mental health policy and practice, contribute to improved outcomes for consumers and carers, and play a key role in supporting the ACT's mental health system. We are seeking a cooperative, strategic, and highly motivated professional who is committed to excellence in public service and mental health reform.

Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) is an inclusive employer where all people are respected and valued for their contribution. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

Eligibility/Other requirements:

Desirable

- A Tertiary qualification in a health-related field and/or experience in providing treatment, care and support to mental health consumers.
- Please note prior to commencement the successful candidate will be required to undergo a pre-employment Police check.




- As this role is likely to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and young people, cultural awareness, the capacity to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is highly desirable.

Notes: A merit pool or merit list will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months. How to apply: To apply for this position, please provide a two-page pitch outlining why you are interested in this role and what you off er the Directorate in terms of your skill set and relevant career history. You should consider the Professional/Technical Skills and Behavioural Capabilities listed in the Position Description when completing your pitch.

Please also provide a copy of your curriculum vitae and details of two current referees.

Applications should be submitted .

Applicants should note that a Joint Selection Committee (JSC) established in accordance with the collective/enterprise agreement provisions will assess all applications for this position.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.

Note

Applicants should note that a Joint Selection Committee (JSC) established in accordance with the collective/enterprise agreement provisions will assess all applications for this position.

📌 Director, Office of the Chief Psychiatrist | Full-time Permanent (Canberra)
🏢 Act Government
📍 Canberra