The Department of Health has a diverse set of responsibilities, but throughout there is a common purpose, which is reflected in our Vision.
"better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations”
Our Purpose is to lead and shape Australia’s health system and sporting outcomes through evidence based policy, well targeted programs, and best practice regulation.
We commit to making a difference by:
- building leadership at all levels
- thinking strategically and making evidence based choices
- strengthening our key relationships
- embedding innovation in our work
- managing cost and invest in long term sustainability
Benefits of working for the Department
Salary arrangements
Our employment conditions are outlined in the Enterprise Agreement:Work life balance
The department supports arrangements for flexible work conditions including:- Access to flextime for APS1- 6 staff and time-in-lieu arrangements available for EL staff upon negotiation with manager
- Flexible arrangements for staff with family responsibilities, including carers leave
- Negotiable part time working hours.
Healthy workplace
Department employees are encouraged to maintain good health and active lifestyles. To support this, the department provides:- The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides access to counselling services for staff to assist with work or personal issues
- Influenza vaccinations for all interested staff
Diversity and equality
- Workforce Diversity program 2013-2016
- Reconciliation Action Plan
- Disability Workforce Action Plan
- Agency Multicultural Plan
- Membership with Pride in Diversity, encouraging Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) inclusion in our workplace
- Gold membership with Australian Network on Disability
- Health's Gender Equality Blueprint 2017-20
Watch our video or read our Diversity Council submission to learn more about how Health supports staff with Disability.
Word version: Transcript of Diversity Council Submission Video (Word 17 KB)
PDF version: Transcript of Diversity Council Submission Video (PDF 193 KB)
Learning and development
The department believes in developing employee work skills and experiences for now and the future. Staff are provided with support, opportunities and assistance to learn through:- internal on-the-job and off-the-job training programs
- accredited courses for required roles
- eLearning and online learning resources
- individual development plans that focus on capability needs
- department (tertiary) study schemes and professional development support
- learning programs that partner with professional educational institutions and academic bodies
- programs to recognise and grow talent.
Further information
For further information about the department, please visit the following pages:Applying for a job with the department
For information about eligibility for Department of Health jobs, how the department meets the needs of diversity groups in recruitment and tips on preparing your application, see the How to apply page.The department uses the APS-wide Integrated Leadership System (ILS) to describe the capability of our people. In framing an application for jobs in the department, please refer to the ILS capabilities for the job classification advertised to ensure you understand the expectations. The ILS capabilities are used in assessing applicants for their suitability for Health roles. Detail of the expected capability by level under the ILS can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission’s (APSC) website.
The department uses an online recruitment system for all job applications. For more information about using the online recruitment system see the online recruitment help page.
As part of the Australian Public Service (APS), valuing the principle of good public administration, staff of the department are governed by the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles. See more information about this on the Australian Public Service Commission’s (APSC) website.
The APSC also provides useful tips for applying for a job in the public service in their “Cracking the Code” factsheets.
Current vacancies
Current vacancies with the department are listed on the HealthJobs page.People interested in non-ongoing (temporary) employment can apply for positions through the Temporary Employment Register.