The role  
Reporting to the Manager, Child MHAOD Team, the principal policy officer will coordinate and undertake a range of projects and strategic activities to support the successful implementation of the department's initiatives and priorities under Better Care Together: a plan for Queensland's state-funded mental health alcohol and other drug services to 2027 (Better Care Together).  In addition the role will undertake policy work that may be required to support development and implementation of the broad policy framework for child and youth mental health under Better Care Together.

Key responsibilities include:
•    Identify, research and analyse policy issues and undertake development of new policy positions on issues of significance for children and young people mental health, alcohol and other drug initiatives and programs under Better Care Together.
•    Undertake a range of tasks and policy development projects related to the delivery of clinical services for child and youth mental health alcohol and other drug services.
•    Lead and manage projects specified in line with Queensland Health project management methodologies to ensure the delivery of timely and quality project outcomes.
•    Liaise, consult and develop partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders including Department of Health, Hospital and Health Services, other government departments, professional groups, consumers, families, carers and community organisations to inform and promote child and youth mental health policy.
•    Provide advice and guidance to stakeholders and senior management on mental health policy and specific issues relating to the implementation of projects. 
•    Prepare high level briefing documents, submissions, correspondence and reports including project management plans and materials.

The successful person
To excel in this role, you will demonstrate: 
•    Strong understanding or demonstrated ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of the mental health treatment service system including the complex interrelationships within the government, non-government and private sectors.
•    Ability to manage projects, undertake research, interpret tends and provide detailed critical analysis of reports, discussion papers and other document and to provide advice on policies and strategies and capacity to develop reports, discussion papers and submissions.
•    High level strategic, conceptual, leadership and analytical skills relevant to a range of social and health priority areas.
•    High level verbal communication skills, including experience to confidently and clearly negotiate and present complex concepts and advice to internal and external stakeholders.
•    High level policy, planning and project management skills and ability to formulate and communicate strategic advice relevant to child and youth mental health alcohol and other drugs issues.

About us
The Department of Health is responsible for the overall management of the public health system in Queensland.  We are an organisation that strongly believes in the need to work with people who value the goals of our organisation and who will thrive in our workplace.  Working at the Department of Health is about making a difference.

Clinical Planning and Service Strategy (CPSS) is a  division responsible for delivering clinical service strategy and planning, workforce strategy and planning and leadership, mental health strategy and planning and precision medicine and research functions to improve health services available to the Queensland community, optimise health gains, reduce inequalities, and maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system.

The Mental Health Alcohol and other Drugs Strategy and Planning Branch supports the delivery of contemporary, high quality state-funded mental health alcohol and other drug services through state-wide planning, system strategy and redesign, development of evidence-based models of service and program implementation.

Benefits 
•    A fast-paced, challenging and supportive environment 
•    Competitive salary + generous superannuation and leave loading.
•    Flexible working arrangements
•    Diverse work culture
•    Career training and development

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your skills and experience relevant for this role.