Official Visitors Program

​​​Role Title: Principal Official Visitor, Official Visitors Program

Join the team at the Official Visitors Program for an exciting opportunity to protect the rights, dignity, and welfare of people receiving mental health care and treatment in NSW.

​​​About this role

The Principal Official Visitor is appointed for a term of up to four years by the Minister for Mental Health under the Mental Health Act 2007 and by the Minister for Health under the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007, with the option for reappointment at the end of each term. The role has statutory responsibility for overseeing the Official Visitors Programs for mental health services and involuntary drug and alcohol treatment (IDAT) services, ensuring the effective operation of the Programs and compliance with the requirements and intent of the respective Acts.

The Principal Official Visitor provides strategic leadership and direction to the Programs and is accountable to the Ministers for Mental Health and Health through regular reporting. The position coordinates, supports and guides approximately 80 Official Visitors to carry out their legislative functions in complex health, mental health and IDAT settings, including monitoring the care, treatment and conditions of people subject to involuntary treatment.

A core function of the role is to identify, assess and escalate issues of concern arising from Official Visitor inspections and reports, and to advocate for improvements at both individual and system levels to safeguard the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of consumers. The Principal Official Visitor maintains strong working relationships with key stakeholders across the NSW mental health and drug and alcohol systems, including service providers, government agencies, and oversight bodies.

The role also contributes to state-wide initiatives and quality improvement projects, builds and maintains a contemporary public profile for the Official Visitors Programs, and oversees the collection, analysis and reporting of visit data to provide timely, evidence-based advice to Ministers and the broader system.

This is a statutory appointment. It requires deep experience in human services, sound judgement, and a strong public voice. The Principal Official Visitor must balance independence and collaboration, lead a diverse group of Official Visitors, and stay focused on people experiencing mental health care in a complex and political environment.

Remuneration: Amount consistent with the salary payable to a Clerk Grade 11, 1st year of service, with annual incremental increases available up to the salary payable to a maximum of Clerk Grade 12, 4th year of service, as set out under the Crown Employees (Public Sector – Salaries 2024) Award.

You can find full details about this job advertisement at the following link:

https://officialvisitorsmh.nsw.gov.au/Pages/Role-Title-Principal-Official-Visitor,-Official-Visitors-Program-aspx.aspx

​Please review the role description (available in the job ad link) before submitting your application. To apply, please provide:

• An up-to-date resume (maximum of 5 pages), and
• A cover letter outlining how you meet the essential requirements of the role.

Please email your complete application to [email protected] before the closing date. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.