WA Department of Health Reviews

There are reasonable prospects of promotion within my particular division, which was part of the reason I chose it, however across health there are often teams which are relatively fixed and unable to provide those sorts of opportunities.

My division in particular has an excellent social environment and there is a steady flow of events organised outside of work. Working across different teams is strongly encouraged and there are no issues with approaching senior staff to discuss issues.

The application included questions around diversity, and I have not come across any discrimination in the workplace, so I would say that on the whole the organisation has a strong focus on diversity.

Project work - planning meetings, coordinating a Working Group, writing project documentation, analysing data.

Through the graduate program I was very supported with senior mentors, other graduates as buddies and supervisors. There was a structured performance review for each placement. Post graduate program I am currently on a short term contract where there is limited formal performance review however my manager does praise and provide feedback as necessary.

The dress code is relatively informal. The office space is reasonably basic in the majority of locations.

The selection process consisted of written applications, a group assessment centre day and subsequently an individual interview in front of a panel. Questions in the interviews are designed to see how well you work with others, and whether you would have the potential to be a leader within WA Health. Candidates would do well to read a book entitled "How to write a winning job application" by Lloyd White. It specifically covers applications to public sector agencies which are quite different to private sector applications.

Although we do not receive bonuses, graduates who work within the Department of Health can expect extremely attractive salaries in comparison to the private sector. Salary Packaging- we are entitled to Fringe Benefits Tax because we work for a Public Benevolent Institution and can use this to package rent, cars, mortgage etc.

The graduate development program provides a very comprehensive and robust training program, which allows graduates the maximum opportunity to develop themselves. Once the formal structures of the graduate program cease, ongoing training requires personal perseverance.

My employer is very flexible when it comes to working hours. You have a set amount of hours to be worked each week, and these can be completed whenever you want. If you work more than that set amount, you are able to take this excess time off as "time off in lieu".

I have not really witnessed any formal commitment to reducing the carbon footprint.