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 manage litigation (disciplinary and appeals) and 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 Professional Misconduct Unit (PMU) manages all matters referred by the Board to a Tribunal hearing. In addition, the unit handles pre-referral advice, Immediate Action advice and appeals and case conference requests relating to individual practitioner matters involving allegations of conduct that may amount to professional misconduct.

There are full time, fixed term and ongoing opportunities available based in any Ahpra location. We may contact shortlisted candidates during the advertising period.

In this role you will: 

• Provide legal advice and operate 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.
• Conduct litigation (disciplinary and appeals) on behalf of the National Boards.
• Brief, monitor and manage the engagement of legal firms and counsel to conduct litigation.
• 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. 
• Conduct and manage legal cases in relation to Ahpra’s regulatory requirements and interpretation of National Law. 

As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following:

• Admission as a legal practitioner to any state or territory and holds an unrestricted practicing certificate (Essential).
• Minimum 3 years post qualification experience
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare complex high level correspondence and present legal information to a variety of audiences.
• High level legal, analytical, conceptual and investigative skills particularly in relation to analysing evidence and reporting on complex issues.
• Excellent understanding of administrative law and governance
• Excellent case management and organisational skills, with an ability to autonomously plan, prioritise and manage competing tasks and deadlines.
• Litigation experience.

Role description: Role Description - Legal Advisor - PMU Feb 2025.pdf

Ahpra requires all employees to comply with Ahpra policies, including our Flexible working policy.

What we offer: 

• A friendly and supportive working culture with an active social club
• Discounts on Medibank Private Health Insurance and selected gym memberships
• Great work/life balance
• Central location and sophisticated open plan workspaces in a 5-star rated building
• Attractive salary of $129,526 per annum plus superannuation.

To apply: 

• Click ‘Apply Now' to submit your application.
• Your application must include a current resume and maximum 2 page cover letter addressing the selection criteria above (see ‘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 Advisors - Professional Misconduct 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.