APS 4 Policy Officer

at  Department of Veterans Affairs

• Salary Range: $76,696 - $81,802 + Attractive Superannuation
• Contact Officer: Jude Van Konkelenberg 02 6289 6036 Jude.VanKonkelenberg@dva.gov.au
  Policy Officers work under general direction and are responsible for the delivery of timely, efficient and effective administration support for the branch. Policy Officers will support the Benefits Policy Branch deliver policy advice to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Commissioners, Senior Executives and service delivery teams primarily on policy issues related to the work of the branch. They will have the opportunity to provide administrative support to assist with the development, design and implementation of new policy proposals and measures announced by Government.
  Policy Officers support the team to coordinate enquiries from service delivery areas, manage mailboxes and follow up routine correspondence from delegates, clients and providers, and communicate updates through phone and email. They will be self-motivated, adaptable to change, have excellent organisation and communication skills and attention to detail. They will also have the ability to learn new tasks and processes quickly, manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and build productive working relationships.
  Policy Officers are supported to acquire an understanding of working with and interpreting legislation. Additionally, Policy Officers may need the ability to contribute to corporate tasks, such as assisting with coordinating meetings, planning and scheduling meetings managing schedules. This may be across sections or more broadly within the division, as needs arise.

Applicants should have the following skills and abilities:

• demonstrated experience in administrative support, project support or similar roles and experience using records management systems
• experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Advanced word processing skills are highly desirable.
• experience with or the ability to quickly learn how to use Microsoft Teams, TRIM (HP Content Manager) and R&C ISH is highly desirable
• demonstrated experience working within a fast-paced team to achieve outcomes.
• Previous experience working in a Public Service or policy environment will be highly regarded.
• Policy Officers may be asked to undertake Executive Assistant duties if and when required.
• A background in providing executive support is desirable and may be beneficial to candidates.

In accordance with the principles of workplace diversity, Work Health and Safety, participative work practices, the APS Values and Code of Conduct and under general direction, duties include:

• preparing and/or quality assuring general correspondence and less complex documentation in accordance with departmental guidelines
• monitoring and coordinating mailboxes and developing appropriate systems, procedures and controls to enhance the accuracy, timeliness and presentation of workflow within the branch
• assisting with coordinating administrative tasks (e.g. phone lists, leave register, Senate estimates responses, property and accommodation)
• undertaking filing and records management functions ensuring records are accurate, complete and are managed in accordance with departmental policy
• undertaking less complex research, collation and analysis of data and preparation of reports
• initiating and ordering supplies and equipment, processing accounts for payment and coordinating, collecting and analysing information for monitoring purposes
• coordinating meetings with internal and external stakeholders and assisting with the preparation of meetings and events
• acting as the first point of contact including greeting visitors, receiving and responding to phone calls, emails and correspondence and ensuring a high level of customer service to all staff and external parties
• establishing effective working relationships and high standard of customer service
• liaising with internal staff and external agencies on matters relating to the work area.