The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) works in partnership with 15 National Boards to implement the national regulatory scheme for health professionals. The purpose of health practitioner regulation is to protect the public by ensuring that only health practitioners who have the skills, qualifications and knowledge to provide safe care are registered.   

Reporting to the National Manager – Information Release, the Legal Advisor – Legal Services is to conduct relevant research, prepare legal advice and conduct litigation in matters involving the regulation of health practitioners with an emphasis on the collection, storage, use and disclosure of information.

We are recruiting a full time, ongoing position to join the National Information Release Unit (NIRU) to be based in Brisbane.

About you and the role 

You will be an experienced professional who can hit the ground running, be able to work autonomously and demonstrate excellent time management skills. You will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, an ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships across teams and functions will be one of the keys to your success.  Some of the tasks may include but are not limited to: 

• Provide legal advice in accordance with legislation, regulations, and codes of practice relevant to the National Law. 
• Develop, implement, and communicate strategies to ensure compliance with legal requirements to minimise risk. 
• Conduct and manage legal cases in relation to Ahpra’s regulatory requirements and interpretation of National Law. 
• Conduct litigation (disciplinary and appeals) on behalf of the National Boards. 
• Provide professional legal advice and recommendations in relation to the development and review of policies and procedures ensuring national consistency and continuous improvement. 
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and briefing notes on legal and policy issues in relation to the registration of health practitioners and compliance with legal obligations relating to the collection, storage, use and disclosure of information. 
• You embody our values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration and Achievement enabling you to build experience and trust with the business. 

As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following:   

• Provide legal advice and operate in accordance with legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the National Law.
• Provide legal advice on policies and procedural issues and identify risks relating to the statutory interpretation and administration of the relevant National law.
• Manage disciplinary cases and appeals to tribunals or the courts, including liaising with other legal representatives.
• Provide advice to panels on the interpretation and application of the national law, including their powers and options for resolving cases within scope.

Refer to the role description for more information on the key accountabilities of the role –  Role Description Legal Advisor Legal Services L6.pdf

What we offer:  

• Great work/life balance – hybrid working arrangements of 2 office days, 3 WFH days offers the best of both worlds. 
• Interesting and challenging work with a strong public safety purpose  
• A supportive and flexible working culture that supports you in achieving a balance between work and personal commitments.  
• Central office locations and with modern, open plan workspaces  
• Attractive salary of $113,718 per annum plus Superannuation 

To apply:  

• Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your application.  
• Your application must include a resume and a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements under the heading above “As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following”. 
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process  
• For any queries or a confidential discussion regarding this position, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Legal Advisor - National Information Release Unit enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Offer of employment is subject to successful background (pre-employment screening) and Criminal History checks.  

Ahpra is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage people of all abilities to apply, particularly people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and those who may experience diversity or disability related barriers in securing employment.  If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.  

With respect, no agencies please.