Job Description

The Team:

This newly created senior leadership role offers a rare chance to lead one of the most significant safety and security transformations in the Tasmanian Health Service. As General Manager of the Statewide Safety, Security and Quality Unit (SSQU), you will drive the implementation of a major whole‑of‑system security reform program that will redefine how safety, security, and quality services are delivered across public health care in Tasmania.

Reporting directly to the Chief Risk Officer, you will lead both a central specialist unit and newly established regional teams during a pivotal period of change. This is an opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact from day one — shaping policy, culture, and statewide service outcomes.

The Role:

Provides high level leadership and strategic advice in the delivery of the Department of Health’s Safety, Security and Quality Unit (SSQU). The role of the General Manager – SSQU is focused on building and maintaining security services and supporting establishment and maintenance of effective partnerships with internal and external health care providers.

As a key member of the OCRO leadership team, the General Manager ensures that safety, security and quality systems reflect contemporary best practice and comply with legislative and regulatory frameworks, including the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 and Tasmanian Protective Security Policy Framework (TAS-PSPF).

You will need

• Lead the development and implementation of a trauma-informed, integrated security model across public hospitals, including the strategic rollout of occupational violence prevention programs and psychological support services. Ensure these initiatives are embedded within broader workforce wellbeing and safety strategies.
• Cultivate and sustain high-value relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, unions, health services, and industry partners. Represent the Department at senior intergovernmental and national forums, influencing policy and contributing to strategic negotiations and reform agendas.
• Provide authoritative advice to the Secretary, Health Executive, Chief Risk Officer, and Ministers on emerging risks and strategic opportunities related to safety, security, and quality. Lead the preparation of high-impact reports, submissions, and briefings to inform executive and ministerial decision-making.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application..

The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals across the state, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. Additionally, it provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.

Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.

Details of appointment:

Permanent full time, day worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible.

*notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.

Salary: $170,409 to $188,400 per annum. Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.

• Salary range is in accordance with Health and Human Services (Tasmanian State Service) Award

Benefits available to eligible candidates:

• Professional development and accelerated pathways.
• A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
• Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.

More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here

Eligibility:

Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.

• Appropriate professional and/or tertiary qualifications in a relevant field or related discipline, and/or extensive experience in a health and human services purchaser/provider service delivery model.

Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:

• Relevant health and/or or security industry experience
• Current Driver’s Licence

Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.

Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents

We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.

Statement of Duties:

• 533699 General Manager - Safety, Security and Quality Unit Band 9 (Feb 2026).docx

Application Guide:

• Department of Health - Applicant Guide Sep 2024.docx

How to apply:

Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.

You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.

For more information:

Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.

Ian Thomas
Chief Risk Officer
+6161660387
ian thomas@health.tas.gov.au

What it is like working at the Department of Health?

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellent are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!

Make It Tasmania | Move for a great lifestyle

One Health Podcast - Spotify

One Health Podcast - Apple

Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian

Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).

Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.