Principal Policy Officer, Community Living Programs
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Crown Clerk grade 11/12
Remuneration: $154,231 - $178,369, plus superannuation
Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW
Hours Per Week: 35 hours
Requisition ID: REQ686433
Closing Date: 11:59pm Friday 20 November 2026

Join the Mental Health Branch at Ministry of Health for an exciting ongoing opportunity and be part of the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.

About us

- Our core values of collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment are more than just words - they are the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our work.

- While regular office presence is essential, we offer flexible work arrangements to support your needs.

- Committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplace for all.

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

About the role
The Principal Policy Officer, Community Living Programs shapes statewide policy and services that help people with mental health conditions to live well in the community and pursue goals that are important to them. As Principal Policy Officer, you will lead high-impact policy, program and commissioning work across a diverse community living portfolio, including Community Living Supports, HASI Plus and Mental Health Community Living Supports for Refugees. You will also lead whole-of-Health policy and partnerships at the intersection of health, housing and homelessness. You will advise senior executives, lead complex reforms and work with local health districts, community managed organisations, other government agencies, peak bodies, and people with lived experience to turn evidence into practical improvements. You will lead and develop a skilled team, creating clarity and momentum across competing priorities. This is an opportunity to influence statewide policy and service delivery, with a clear focus on better outcomes for consumers, families and communities.

What you will be doing

- Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of policy, programs and commissioning approaches across the community-based supported living portfolio.

- Lead the housing and homelessness portfolio, including whole-of-Health policy, strategic partnerships and cross-agency initiatives addressing the links between mental health, housing instability and homelessness.

- Lead major reforms, procurements and service improvement projects from planning through to delivery and evaluation, actively managing risks, timeframes, resources and interdependencies.





- Build effective partnerships with local health districts, community managed organisations, other government agencies, peak bodies, people with lived experience and other stakeholders to develop practical, statewide solutions.

- Provide authoritative, evidence-informed advice to senior executives and government, translating complex and sensitive issues into clear options, briefs, correspondence and recommendations.

- Lead and develop staff, set clear priorities and foster a team-oriented, accountable and improvement-focused team culture.

About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:

- Significant experience leading the development, analysis, implementation and evaluation of complex policy, programs or projects in a multidisciplinary environment.

- Significant demonstrated experience in commissioning community-based services, including service design, procurement, implementation and performance oversight, together with strong knowledge of mental health policy and service systems.

- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide concise, persuasive and evidence-informed advice on sensitive or complex issues.

- Demonstrated experience building collaborative relationships and influence outcomes across government, public health organisations, community managed organisations and other stakeholders.

- Demonstrated experience leading and developing staff, managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.

How to apply
At the Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you will 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 (1-2 pages) AND demonstrate your ability by attaching a response to the two target questions below.

Target Questions (1-2 pages)

- Describe a significant commissioning initiative you have led involving community-based or human services. What was your role across service design, procurement or contracting, implementation and performance oversight? How did you manage risks and stakeholder interests, and what outcomes did you achieve?





- Describe a complex policy or reform initiative you have led involving multiple agencies and stakeholders. How did you build a shared understanding of the issues, influence stakeholders with different priorities, and translate policy or evidence into practical change? What was the outcome?

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

Candidates may use AI tools to support the preparation of their application. However, the information provided should be authentic, accurate and genuinely represent your skills, experience, and capabilities, as these will be assessed when determining your suitability for the role.

For role related queries or questions contact Amy Wyndham on [email protected] and quote REQ686433.

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]

Adjustments for individual needs | I Work For NSW and Inclusive recruitment of people with disability | NSW Government

Closing Date: 11:59pm Friday 20 November 2026

Our commitment to diversity and incusion
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

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

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.

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

Do not miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey! Apply now!

Applications Close: 11:59pm Friday 20 November 2026

📌 Principal Policy Officer (St Leonards)
🏢 Ministry of Health
📍 St Leonards