Chief Counsel 

Eastern Health, Box Hill Location 

Eastern Health currently has an opportunity for a Chief Counsel to join the senior leadership team based in Box Hill

• Report directly to the CEO
• People focused organisation
• One of Melbourne’s largest health services

Eastern Health provides the largest range of public healthcare services for the communities of Melbourne’s east and outer-east including a comprehensive range of high quality acute, sub-acute, palliative care, mental health, drug and alcohol, residential care and community health services to people and communities that are diverse in culture, age, socio-economic status, population and healthcare needs.

Eastern Health currently has an opportunity for a (Chief Counsel/Legal Counsel) to join the executive leadership team based in Box Hill.  You will be accountable to the Chief Executive and will be responsible for delivering high quality legal services to the organisation.

Leading and co-ordinating a small team of staff you will act as lawyer to Eastern Health and provide first class, professional legal advice and services to its Chief Executive, senior management team, Board of Directors, Eastern Health Foundation and employees in respect of its activities.

Other key accountabilities will include:

• Identifying, coordinating and managing all legal matters.
• Providing strategic legal advice and education to Eastern Health employees about medico-legal issues with particular emphasis on health and medical law, as well as risk management, privacy and FOI.
• Maintaining and upholding the reputation of Eastern Health in respect of all legal issues
• Keeping abreast of all current and new legislation affecting Eastern Health and its impact on the delivery of services at Eastern Health.
• Attending and reporting as requested, to the Board of Directors, Board Committees and the Executive Committee.
• Monitoring and managing Eastern Health's legal expenses within budget.
• Managing Legal Risk and driving a strong compliance culture and framework.
• Working closely with Eastern Health’s insurers and external Legal advisers to oversee the defence of actions brought against Eastern Health
• Monitoring all legal proceedings and providing advice and support to Eastern Health staff involved in court proceedings or who are required to give evidence.
• Ensuring that Eastern Health is compliant with all legislative and other statutory requirements and the common law
• Overseeing the management of insurance matters on behalf of Eastern Health

We are searching for a tertiary-qualified legal professional with experience partnering senior executives.  Self-motivated and able to think strategically, you will have extensive legal experience within the health or government related sectors. Specifically you will be admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and hold a Practising Certificate pursuant to the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria), have practised for at least ten (10) years after admission and have:

• Demonstrated ability to provide practical and timely legal advice and exercise sound judgement within a complex environment encompassing a broad range of legal issues at both strategic and operational levels.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of the law relating to the Victorian Public Health sector, its legal challenges and its relationship with Government.
• Extensive understanding and experience of social and ethical issues associated with the delivery of health services.
• Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution and litigation.
• Demonstrated skills in drafting complex contracts and Memoranda of Understanding
• Proven ability to command trust and respect at all levels of an organisation
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership and influencing skill

The talent and passion of our people is critical to our success. You will be well supported by a great team to deliver great outcomes. 

If you have the ability and drive to make a difference take hold of this opportunity and apply today!

For full details refer to the Position Description located HERE and direct all enquiries to the contact person listed.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory police records check.

You must have the right to permanently live and work in Australia to apply for this job.

Please submit all applications online.

Recruitment agency applications will not be accepted.

Eastern Health Values:  Patients First: Agility: Humility: Respect: Kindness: Excellence