Policy Officer

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Department of Justice and Community Safety

**Salary**: $90,067 - $102,192

Occupation: Policy

Reference: DOJ/1654011

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place.

We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.

The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of young people and recognises that young peoples’ rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers

We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?
- **Great opportunity to join Youth Justice**:

- **Make a positive difference in keeping our community safe**:

- **Attractive salary between $90,067 - $102,192 + superannuation**

**An exciting ongoing opportunity exists for a Policy Officer in Diversion, Community and Programs.**

**About us**

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is responsible for the supervision of children and young people in the criminal justice system. The two Youth Justice Custodial Precincts in Victoria are managed by the department. Parkville Youth Justice Precinct is located in the inner northern Melbourne suburb of Parkville, and Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct is located approximately 100 kilometres north of Melbourne.

**What does Diversion, Community and Programs do?**

The Youth Justice Diversion, Community and Programs branch is responsible for ensuring that programs and services are in place that meet the needs of young people in Youth Justice.

**What does a Policy Officer do?**

The Policy Officer supports the development of significant state-wide youth justice policy and priority projects in response to emerging issues. This includes contributing to reports and briefings, responding to Parliamentary questions, correspondence, undertaking research and contributing projects related to Youth Justice policy.

In addition, the Policy Officer will:

- Provide policy analysis and advice, including the identification of emerging issues, opportunities, risks, and trends.
- Research, analyse and prepare clear written materials including reports, briefings, papers, and presentations.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders within and outside the Department.

**What skills should a Policy Officer have?**

The role operates within a complex and dynamic environment that requires a capacity to exercise sound judgement, and the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, using influence and negotiation skills to support the provision of clear advice to support effective, timely actions.
- Knowledge of and/or experience in Victorian Government administrative processes.
- Exposure to program or policy initiatives.
- Knowledge of current policy direction, research and issues within Youth Justice or the criminal justice system more broadly, or the ability to understand these issues quickly.

You will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) to be maintained by the employee for the period of employment.

To learn more about the type of skills you will need to thrive in this role, please read the position description.

**What's in it for you?**

You will be working for the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which is one arm of the Victorian State Government, a recognised top employer of choice nationally. All our staff work to the vision of a safe, just, innovative and thriving Victoria.

There are many advantages in working for the department, including:

- Job stability - ongoing position as a member of the Victorian Public Service (VPS).
- A fair salary
- enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options.
- Transparent performance framework
- approach your work with confidence in how you're tracking, working to professional development plans agreed on by you and your manager.
- Generous leave entitlements
- provisions for many forms of leave; including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate, and sick leave.
- Employee Assistance Program support - you are encouraged to use this short-term, confidential counselling service if you're experiencing emotional stress, relationship problems, conflict with others or personal issues. It is also available for financial counselling and retirement planning.

We want to make sure all Victorians feel represented by the department's