Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS) is a new, dedicated public youth mental health service and is the first of its kind in Australia. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team.

General Counsel

Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS)

Ongoing | Full Time | 📍Parkville

Lead legal, governance and ethical strategy for a new, youth-first health service making real impact.

• Apply your legal expertise to support youth mental health reform
• Permanent Ongoing Full-time role | Parkville based | Hybrid WFH
• Salary Packaging | Monthly ADO | 4 weeks Annual Leave

About Us:

Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS) is Victoria’s newest public mental health service dedicated to the care of young people aged 12 to 25 experiencing complex mental health challenges. 

PYMHWS is leading a bold and values-driven transformation in youth mental health care across Melbourne’s north and west. We exist to walk alongside young people, their families, carers, supporters and kin delivering care that is accessible, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed, and grounded in lived experience. Our service model is shaped by the voices of young people and their communities, and underpinned by a commitment to safety, equity, and continuous learning.

At PYMHWS, we are working with our community and partners to build in a future where all young people can access world-class mental health support, close to home. As we grow, we are looking for passionate, skilled, and visionary professionals to join us in shaping a new era of youth mental health in Victoria.  

The Opportunity:

The General Counsel will contribute to PYMHWS’s success by ensuring strong legal, governance, and ethical foundations that enable effective decision-making and sustainable growth. The role requires a collaborative, solutions-focused leader with sound judgment and a commitment to integrity and youth-centred care.

Our service is made up of compassionate, curious, and committed people. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a strategic and values-driven legal professional guide the organisation through its establishment and growth as a contemporary, youth-first health service.

Why Join PYMHWS?

• Be part of building a legacy for youth mental health in Victoria
• Work alongside passionate, visionary leaders in a values-led organisation
• Salary packaging options, up to $11,600 tax free earnings
• 4 weeks annual leave plus monthly ADO for full time employees
• Flexible working arrangements including remote work options where possible
• Employee wellbeing focused, access to EAP
• Flexible, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture

About the Role:

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel is a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the CEO, Board and Executive Team. You’ll play a critical role in shaping PYMHWS’s legal, ethical and governance frameworks as we build a contemporary, youth-first health service from the ground up.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior legal leader to apply their expertise across a broad portfolio — including corporate, commercial, medical, research, risk and compliance matters — in a purpose-driven environment. The role will be both strategic and hands-on, guiding the organisation through establishment, growth and consolidation.

What You'll Do:

• Provide accurate, timely and practical legal advice to the CEO, Board and Executive.
• Oversee legal risk management, compliance and legislative obligations under the Health Services Act and related frameworks.
• Advise on contracts, medico-legal issues, privacy, intellectual property and research governance.
• Manage relationships with external legal providers and the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA).
• Strengthen organisational integrity and ethical practice across all areas of operation.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, governance and decision-making as a key member of the Executive Team.

About You:

You are a highly regarded legal professional with a deep understanding of the public health or research sector, and a passion for youth mental health and system transformation. You are known for your integrity, sound judgment and ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice

✔️ Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and a current practising certificate.

✔️ Significant post-admission experience in health, research, or government legal practice.

✔️ Expertise in commercial contracting, governance, medico-legal and regulatory compliance.

✔️ Exceptional communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.

✔️ A collaborative, values-led approach and commitment to youth-centred care, equity and inclusion.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're looking to be part of something truly meaningful—we’d love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, contact Elle Crisp, People Experience and Onboarding Partner, on 0407 311 076

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Recruitment is ongoing, with interviews commencing as soon as suitable candidates are received. Advertising may cease prior to the closing date.

To view the full Position Description, please click HERE

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Record Check and a Working with Children Check. Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of an immunisation assessment prior to commencement.

PYMHWS stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in work and care. We are proud to be a workplace that champions diversity, inclusion and equality for our staff and our community.  Our goal is for our people to feel safe, included and supported so that they can be at their best every single day. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply to our vacancies, and will consider adjustments to support such applications.