Role Highlights
* Build and sustain relationships to deliver outcomes for South Australians with a disability
* Contribute to positive change for people with disabilities
* Flexible working arrangements available
Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision-making, and help our communities when it matters most.
About the Business
Our Disability Policy and Reform team is responsible for leading the state and national disability inclusion agenda, which includes development, implementation and oversight of legislation and strategic policy in relation to disability. The team also leads the State Autism Strategy and coordinates the state's response to the NDIS Review and the Disability Royal Commission.
Role Details
The Principal Policy Officer will lead the coordination of the Directorate’s intergovernmental relations function and governance activities relating to South Australia’s participation in national disability decision-making forums such as the Disability Reform Ministerial Council. You will Work alongside the Manager, Strategic Policy and Senior Policy Officers to drive complex national funding, legislation and policy negotiations. You will have the opportunity to build wide-ranging relationships with the community, South Australian Government agencies, state and territory and Commonwealth Government counterparts to facilitate policy analysis and information sharing.
About you
We are looking for someone motivated to contribute to critical national disability policy reform initiatives. You will be highly organised, process-driven and comfortable progressing multiple work streams simultaneously within designated timeframes. You will be familiar with conducting complex policy and / or legislative analysis within, or outside of, government and have a demonstrated ability to present your ideas succinctly verbally and in writing. You will be comfortable building and maintaining solid working relationships with stakeholders. Familiarity with national disability policy would be welcome, but not essential as long as the motivation to develop the expertise is there.
About the team
The Disability Policy and Reform Directorate leads South Australia's disability inclusion and reform initiatives, including supporting South Australia's functions as co-steward of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This role is within the Strategic Policy Business Unit who currently coordinate governance activities associated with the Disability Reform Ministerial Council: a forum for Commonwealth and state and territory ministers responsible for disability policy to drive national reform.
The Business Unit works collaboratively with the broader Directorate, South Australian Government agencies, state and territory counterparts, and Commonwealth Government agencies to contribute to NDIS policy and legislative reform and to support disability research and evidence activities. You will be joining an enthusiastic team committed to progressing meaningful national disability reform to positively impact South Australians with a disability.
Special Conditions
National Police Check required
Some out of hours work may be required
Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required
Role Status: Term up to 14/09/2026.
Attachments:
Role Description - Principal Policy Officer - ASO7.pdf
Contact Us
Enquiries to Dr Steph Slack, Manager Strategic Policy
stephanie.slack@sa.gov.au
Diversity And Inclusion
DHS is committed to making our services and workplaces safe and inclusive for all people and ensuring the full diversity of the communities we serve are represented in our workforce, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or neurodivergence, young people, older people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people.
We are committed to making workplace adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment experience and supportive work environment. If you require any assistance with our recruitment process, please contact us at dhsrecruitment@sa.gov.au and a member of our team will get back to you.
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We also celebrate the many strengths and skills people with disability and/or neurodivergent people bring to our workplace and acknowledge our role in ensuring a supportive work environment for people with disability and/or neurodivergent people to thrive in.
Application Instructions
Resume and Cover Letter
You are required to submit a cover letter, up to a maximum of two pages, addressing how your skills, attributes and experience meet the role specific capabilities and attach your current resume via the online application form. For more information about applying, refer to our Job Application Guide
Screening Checks
If you are new to the department and are invited to an interview, you will be required to produce a National Police Check, which has been issued within six months of your application for the role. National Police Checks can be applied for via the South Australia Police or through an Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission accredited body.
If the role you are applying for also requires an Employment-related Screening Check, you will be required to undergo such assessment as is advised by DHS, including periodic assessment during your employment.