Policy Officer

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Department of Justice and Community Safety

**Salary**: $91,418 - $103,725

Occupation: Policy

Reference: DOJ/YJ2199A

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 children and recognises that children’s 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?
- **Use your skills to enhance community safety through effective policy implementation in youth justice.**:

- **VPS Grade 4: $91,418 - $103,725 plus superannuation**

An exciting ongoing opportunity exists for a Policy Officer in Operational Reform.

**About us**

Youth Justice in the Department of Justice and Community Safety is responsible for the statutory supervision of children and young people in the criminal justice system and for providing strategic advice and delivering strategic outcomes to address the underlying causes of their offending behaviour and help them to achieve positive change in their lives.

**What does Operational Reform do?**

The Operational Reform team within Youth Justice leads the development and delivery of high-priority reforms to Youth Justice custodial operations. The team is responsible for leading operational policy reform in consultation with Custodial Operations executives, staff, key stakeholders, and young people, and providing project management of operational reforms. The team is also responsible for development, oversight and review of all Operating Policies and Procedures within the Youth Justice Custodial Manual.

**What does the Policy Officer do?**

The Policy Officer will be responsible for preparing and coordinating reports and briefings, undertaking research, and contributing to policy, operational and governance projects.

The role operates within a complex and dynamic environment that requires a capacity to exercise sound judgement, and the ability to proactively 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.

In addition, the Policy Officer will be responsible for:

- Providing 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?**
- Knowledge of and/or experience in Victorian Government administrative processes.
- Exposure to criminal justice 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.
- A full and current driver's license.

A qualification in relation to policy, project management, criminology or social sciences is also desirable.

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** - 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