Senior Legal Policy Officer

at  Department of Justice and Community Safety

• Utilise your policy expertise to provide support and advice to the Victim Services Support and Reform branch
• Fixed-Term (until 31/10/2025), 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:

Victims Services, Support and Reform part of the Police, Racing, Victims and Coordination group within the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS). VSSR is responsible for the delivery and reform of services to victims of crime, placing victims at the centre of our justice system.
The Strategy and Policy unit in VSSR leads the development and implementation of victims’ policy within DJCS and across government, including major system reforms, and the delivery of a new Financial Assistance Scheme for victims of crime and the new Victims Legal Service.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor of Laws or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution is highly desirable.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This role forms part of the Legal Policy team within VSSR. The team supports Ministerial, cabinet and parliamentary matters as well as being responsible for the governance and delivery of Victoria’s first Victims Legal Service and supporting implementation of the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme, a landmark reform that will replace the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal. The Legal Policy team also leads and influences the development of policy and legislative reforms for victims of crime.
This role will suit an experienced policy and creative policy thinker and with the ability to work to tight deadlines. You will enjoy working in a dynamic and high performing environment at the forefront of reform across multiple subject areas.

SOME OF YOUR DUTIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Analysing and proactively influencing policy development and legislation across government departments, agencies and entities to ensure victims’ perspectives are effectively considered and reflected.
• Providing expert advice, submissions and briefings for the Attorney-General, Minister for Victim Support and DJCS senior executives and Cabinet.
• Developing and managing stakeholder relationships across DJCS to strategically influence legislative and policy outcomes that improve victim engagement and empowerment in the justice system.
  To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

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

• Demonstrated high quality analytical and policy skills, including the use of data to inform policy development.
• Demonstrated experience in developing or implementing legislation, subordinate legislation or Guidelines.
• Knowledge of parliamentary, Cabinet and Government decision-making processes.
• Professional written communication skills and demonstrated ability to develop complex policies, briefs, Cabinet submissions and other documents, such as Guidelines to a high standard.
• Understanding of victims’ issues, in particular family violence, sexual assault, financial assistance for victims or the criminal justice system.