Dispute Resolution Officer

**Overview**:
**Work Type**:Fixed-term - Full-time

**Salary**: $97,955 - $111,142

**Grade**:VPS 4

**Occupation**:Governance and risk management

**Location**:Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

**Reference**:VG/017976C

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is focused on growing Victoria’s prosperity, building the productive capacity of our economy and increasing participation - by creating more opportunities for people through skills and jobs; helping businesses and industries to thrive; and building vibrant communities and regions. For more information, see the DJSIR Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

Established on 1 January 2023, our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices. We oversee various public entities, including public corporations, regulatory authorities and specialist boards.

**Dispute Resolution Officer (multiple)**
- _ Salary: $97,955 - $111,142 (Plus Superannuation)_
- _ Fixed term role: until 30 June 2026_
- _ Usual hours of work: Full-time (part-time flexibility may be available)_
- _ Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne CBD (flexibility may be available)_

**The Role**
- Working within the award-winning Dispute Resolution Team at the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC), this unique role will help prevent and resolve disputes involving small businesses.
- Key accountabilities:

- Develop sound knowledge of the legislation within the jurisdiction of the Victorian Small Business Commission and provide high-quality information and assistance to businesses and their advisers regarding the prevention and resolution of disputes.
- Utilise current best practice alternative dispute resolution expertise to manage a range of disputes through to their conclusion. This includes directly negotiating with parties to resolve disputes prior to mediation with the VSBC striving to resolve at least 25% of disputes without the need for mediation.
- If mediation is required, undertake steps to enable the mediation, including providing guidance to the dispute parties about the mediation process; scheduling the mediation; preparing and distributing relevant documentation; collecting payment of mediation fees; and concluding steps to finalise the matter after mediation.

**The Team**
- The position of Dispute Resolution Officer forms a part of the Victorian Small Business Commission within the Industry, Trade and Investment Group.
- The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) is an independent agency led by the Victorian Small Business Commissioner (Commissioner) that aims to ensure a fair and competitive environment in which small businesses can grow and thrive. The functions of the VSBC:

- providing an efficient and low-cost small business dispute resolution service;
- engaging with the small business community to promote VSBC services and encourage informed decision making;
- advocating on issues affecting small businesses and their operating environment; and
- monitoring the impact of market trends, legislation and government policies on small business.
- There are five legislated areas where the VSBC assists small business with disputes - _Small Business Commission Act 2017_, _Retail Leases Act 2003_, _Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005_, Farm Debt Mediation Act 2011and _Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017_.
- The VSBC and the Commissioner is supported by the Department to carry out these functions.

**About You**
- The successful applicant will have excellent listening skills, empathy, outstanding communication skills, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

**Are you?**:

- Empathetic and a good listener?
- Have exceptional dispute resolution skills?
- Seeking an opportunity to learn, grow and achieve?
- Looking for a challenge, variety and flexibility?

**Further Information**
- For a confidential discussion, please contact Elizabeta Galevska, Manager, Dispute Resolution,
- The department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.

**How to Apply**

**Applications close at 23:59pm on 10 August 2025**

- Applications close Sunday 10 August 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted
- 28 July 2025