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 Senior Legal Advisor – Legal Services, the Legal Advisor – Legal Services is to conduct relevant research and prepare legal advice in matters involving all aspects of regulation of health practitioners (registration of health practitioners; appeals against registration decisions; notifications involving conduct, health and performance issues; options for investigation of notifications; and strategy for resolution of notifications matters). Additionally, the role will support the legal services division by working collaboratively across all areas and providing legal advice and support to AHPRA and the National Boards and Committees. 

The Panels, Appeals and Advice Unit (PAA) manages all matters referred by the Board to a Panel hearing and appeals from decisions of the Board or a Panel. PAA is also responsible for providing general legal advice to Reg Ops and Strategy and Policy and legal advice in individual practitioner matters relating to registration, notifications and compliance issues.

This is a full time, fixed term opportunity (12 months) based in any Ahpra location.

In this role you will: 

• Provide legal advice and operates in accordance with legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the National Law.
• Conduct relevant research and provide consistent, authoritative high quality advice and recommendations to all stakeholders including National Boards and committees regarding the National law.
• Develop, implement and communicate strategies to ensure compliance with legal requirements to minimise risk.
• Provide professional legal advice and recommendations in relation to the development and review of policies and procedures ensuring national consistency and continuous improvement. 

As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following:

• Admission as a legal practitioner to any state or territory and holds an unrestricted practising certificate.
• Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships.
• Ability to prepare complex correspondence and present legal information to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent legal, analytical, conceptual and investigative skills particularly in relation to analysing evidence and reporting on complex issues.

A position description is attached.

What we offer: 

• Work/life balance with the flexibility to work both in the office and at home – the best of both worlds. 
• A friendly and supportive working culture with an active social club 
• Discounted health insurance with Medibank Private and discounted gym memberships 
• Open plan workspaces in a 5-star rated building in a central location. 
• Attractive salary of $129,526 per annum plus superannuation.  

To apply: 

• Click Apply Now to submit your application. 
• Your application must include a resume and a cover letter outlining your skills and experience relevant to the requirements in the position description.
• 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 contact Recruitment at [email protected] using the subject line: Legal Advisor - Panels, Appeals and Advice Unit - Flexible Location 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.