Senior Legal Policy Officer

at  Department of Justice and Community Safety

• Utilise your legal policy expertise to provide support and advice to the Victim Services Support and Reform branch
• Ongoing, Full-Time opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service
• VPS Grade 5: $106,534 - $128,897 plus superannuation.

ABOUT US:

This is an exciting opportunity to deliver a major new initiative for victims of crime. The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) is a landmark reform that will replace the judicially based Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal with an administrative scheme that prioritises the needs of victims and supports their recovery from violent crime.
The FAS is highly anticipated by victims and stakeholders and represents a major leap forward in the Victorian government’s response to victims of crime. Established under the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance Scheme) Act 2022 (the Act) the FAS will provide financial assistance through a simple and easy to navigate process that is fair, sensitive, and responsive to victims’ needs. It will acknowledge harm done and be trauma informed, inclusive and culturally safe.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must possess a Law Degree, be admitted to practice as a barrister or solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and hold or is eligible to hold a Practising Certificate.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Reporting to the Assessment Manager you will provide legal policy advice on a wide range of complex matters relating to the FAS.

SOME OF YOUR DUTIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Preparing detailed and comprehensive reports, Cabinet and Ministerial papers, briefing notes and submissions on highly complex legal, policy and matters relating to the operation of the Act and any other legislation or subordinate legislation.
• Providing expert legal policy advice to inform decision making to the FAS Assessment and Recognition team on complex and sensitive applications, and internal review of decisions.
• Developing and consulting on regulations, guidelines and legislative proposals relating to the FAS.
  To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

About You:As an ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Technical legal skills in the interpretation of legislation and provision of complex legal advice, particularly in relation to public or administrative law matters.
• Specialist in conducting litigation, preferably on behalf of the Government.
• High quality analytical and legal policy skills.
• Experience in developing complex and sensitive legislation, regulations, or guidelines.
• Expertise and understanding of victim issues including in depth knowledge of the nature and dynamics of family violence and sexual assault and the systemic barriers faced by marginalised communities in the justice system.
• Ability to respond to and communicate with victims in a sensitive, respectful, and empathetic manner.