Paralegal (Generalist)

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Department of Health

**Salary**: $58,539 - $75,175

Occupation: Legal

Reference: VG/1821395

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

**About the role**:

- As the Generalist Paralegal you will report to the Legal Practice Manager and Executive lead within the Legal Services and Integrity Branch and will play a vital role in supporting the general legal work of the Branch, including working with the Public Law and Legislation, litigation and Inquiries and the Legal Advisory Teams.
- You will assist in a wide variety of work including the provision of advice, drafting of contracts and other legal documents, preparation of Ministerial correspondence and Governor in Council briefings in the health, ambulance services, mental health and ageing portfolios. The legal work includes conduct of a range of general and commercial matters including supporting our prosecutions, mental impairment and unfitness to be tried matters and coronial inquiries matters, in addition to provision of advice on relevant laws, contracts, and privacy matters.

**About us**:
At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

**How you'll make a difference**:

- Conduct high level paralegal duties by assisting with general legal work across the Branch, including provision of legal advice, drafting of contracts and other legal documents, preparation of Ministerial correspondence and Governor in Council briefings and coordinating department responses to subpoenas.
- Assist with preparation of briefs and instructions to counsel and contracted solicitors on the State Government Legal Panel.
- Determine priorities, meet legislative timelines and effectively balance competing demands with mínimal supervision, working autonomously and as a member of a team.
- Collaborate with departmental colleagues to deliver client focused legal services.
- Liaise with external stakeholders including barristers, court/tribunal staff, other government departments and agencies and professional bodies in relation to litigation and a wide range of legal and policy issues.
- Seek information needed to solve work problems; identifies and proposes practical solutions to problems; implements and adjusts solutions when endorsed by manager.
- Contribute ideas and perspectives; seek information about how your work fits within the overall objectives of their work group.

To learn more please click ‘Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website.

**What we offer**:

- The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
- A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
- A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

**How to apply**:
Applications should include a resume and a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages). Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks including proof of 3 vaccinations (including booster) against COVID-19. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence, in line with our Privacy Policy.