Health Jobs

This page provides information on current job vacancies, employment opportunities and special recruitment programs available with the Department of Health (department).

Page last updated: 03 July 2017

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
We need capable and motivated people working with us to make this happen.

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


Pride in Diversity Logo
The department aims to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, race, disability or age. As part of this, the department has: We are proud to have been recognised by the APS Diversity Council as the inaugural recipient of the 2014 Disability Employment Award.

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)
Logo for the Australian Network on Disability (for employers making a difference)
The department has appointed members of the Senior Executive Service to the roles of Diversity Champion and Disability Champion as a focus for progressing departmental action on diversity issues. As a further commitment to workplace diversity, we have also established the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network, the Staff with Disability Network and the Health Pride Network.

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.

The department's programs


Graduate Development program (GDP)

The Graduate Development program is a full-time program that commences in February each year. As a graduate with the department, you may contribute to the development and implementation of health policy, programs and service delivery. You will play a meaningful role in serving the Australian public and work on issues that touch the lives of every-day Australians.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry-Level programs

The department is committed to attracting and retaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. The department participates in the APSC Indigenous Pathways program and the Department of Employment’s Indigenous Australian Government Development program to attract and recruit staff.

Contact

For more information about applying for a job with the department email recruitment@health.gov.au.

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