Legal Advisors – Legal Service

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, prepare legal advice and conduct litigation 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.

We are recruiting a number of positions on various contracts (ongoing and fixed term) within the Professional Misconduct Unit and the Panels, Appeals and Advice Unit across all Ahpra locations.

Applications are accepted for expressions of interest to be placed on Ahpra’s merit list for future vacancies.

About you and the role 

You will be an experienced professional who can hit the ground running, be able to work autonomously and demonstrate excellent time management skills. You will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, an ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships across teams and functions will be one of the keys to your success.  

Some of the tasks may include but are not limited to: 

• Provide legal advice in accordance with legislation, regulations, and codes of practice relevant to the National Law. 
• Develop, implement, and communicate strategies to ensure compliance with legal requirements to minimise risk. 
• Conduct and manage legal cases in relation to Ahpra’s regulatory requirements and interpretation of National Law. 
• Conduct litigation (disciplinary and appeals) on behalf of the National Boards. 
• Provide professional legal advice and recommendations in relation to the development and review of policies and procedures ensuring national consistency and continuous improvement. 
• 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. 
• You embody our values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration and Achievement enabling you to build experience and trust with the business. 

Role description:  

As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following:   

• Admission as a legal practitioner to any state or territory and hold an unrestricted practising certificate.  
• 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 high variety of audiences. 
• High level legal, analytical, conceptual, and investigative skills 
• 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 

What we offer:  

• Great work/life balance – hybrid working arrangements of 2 office days, 3 WFH days offers the best of both worlds. 
• Interesting and challenging work with a strong public safety purpose  
• A supportive and flexible working culture that supports you in achieving a balance between work and personal commitments.  
• Central office locations and with modern, open plan work spaces  
• Attractive salary of $126,367 per annum plus Superannuation 

To apply:  

Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your application.  

Your application must include a resume and a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements under the heading above “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 – Legal Service 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.  

A position description is attached.