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 – Legal Services in the Professional Misconduct Unit, the Senior Legal Advisor – Legal Services is a senior member of the team who is required to demonstrate strong technical knowledge and be willing to share and mentor colleagues. The Senior Legal Advisor is required to manage the more complex litigation (disciplinary and appeals) and conduct relevant research and prepare legal advice in complex 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).

Our team is expanding, we have multiple full-time ongoing positions based in our Melbourne, Canberra, Perth and Sydney offices.

These are full time, ongoing roles. We will be contacting shortlisted candidates during the advertising period.

In this role you will:

• Provide legal advice on in accordance with legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the National Law.
• Proactively identify legal issues and risks and develop and communicate solutions in line with the organisation’s risk framework and overall legal strategy and approach.
• Conduct and manage complex legal cases in relation to Ahpra’s regulatory requirements and interpretation of National Law.
• Conduct complex litigation (disciplinary and appeals) on behalf of the National Boards.
• Brief, monitor and manage the engagement of legal firms and counsel to conduct litigation.
• Provide professional legal advice and recommendations in relation to the development and review of policies and procedures ensuring national consistency and continuous improvement.
• Provide advice on complex regulatory issues identified as serious risk to the public.
• Prepare reports, correspondence and briefing notes on legal and policy issues in relation to the registration of health practitioners, professional standards, complaints and disciplinary proceedings concerning registered health practitioners.
• Supervise, mentor and develop more junior members of the legal team.

As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following:

• Admission as a legal practitioner to any state or territory with an unrestricted practicing certificate (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with staff and internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to prepare complex, high level correspondence and present legal information to a high variety of audiences
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor and develop the skills and expertise of more junior lawyers
• Outstanding legal, analytical, conceptual and investigative skills particularly in relation to analysing evidence and reporting on complex issues
• Outstanding understanding of administrative law and governance with demonstrated experience in a statutory or regulatory environment
• Outstanding case management and organisational skills, with an ability to autonomously plan, prioritise and manage competing tasks and deadlines
• Significant experience in managing complex litigation

Role Description: Role Description Senior Legal Advisor Legal Services L8.pdf

What we offer:

• A friendly and supportive working culture
• Discounts on Medibank Private Health Insurance and selected gym memberships
• Great work/life balance with the flexibility to work both in the office and at home (50/50 split)
• Attractive salary of $137,495 per annum plus superannuation.

To apply:

• Click ‘Apply for this job’ 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: Senior Legal Advisor - Professional Misconduct Unit enquiry via EthicalJobs.
• Offer of employment is subject to successful background (pre-employment screening) and Criminal History checks.

Ahpra acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Elders past, present and emerging.

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.