Investigations Officer

About the Role

The Investigations Officer role, supervised by the Manager Investigations, will involve:

• conducting investigations following notifications of incidents or complaints and preparing and analysing evidence to recommend appropriate enforcement action(s)
• providing support to Senior Investigations Officers within the team and regional staff as needed in relation to investigations, interviewing of children, sanctions and other compliance matters
• assisting with planning for operational investigative work within the team, such as surveillance and evidence gathering for search warrants, preparing court documentation in relation to search warrants and briefs of evidence
• preparing and submitting reports and evidence to enable decision making of appropriate sanctions
• supporting the identification of emerging issues, risks and trends impacting on the regulation of early childhood education and care services
• providing administrative support to the team as needed, including in relation to information management and work tracking systems and processes.

This is a Full Time, ongoing VPS 4 position reporting to the Manager, Central Investigations.

The Investigations Unit is based in East Melbourne, and will also work across metropolitan and regional areas of the State, which will require frequent travel and occasional overnight stays.

Attributes

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• knowledge of regulatory and ECEC theory and practice (or ability to acquire)
• an awareness of the Child Safe Standards (or ability to acquire)
• experience in operational investigations which may include surveillance work, interviewing key persons, interviewing of children, preparing briefs of evidence and executing search warrants or existing knowledge of the process
• the ability to investigate alleged contraventions of legislation including planning and recommending actions throughout the life of an investigation (including collecting evidence, having case discussions, conducting witness interviews, and writing reports)
• strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders (internal and external)
• the ability to identify, gather and analyse evidence and information in a court-admissible manner
• strong conceptual and analytical skills, including an ability to interpret legislation, standards, guidelines and practices to ensure effective regulation of the ECEC sector
• strong planning and organising skills and attention to detail.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Desirable: Relevant tertiary qualification Regulatory Theory, Investigations or Compliance.

Desirable: Cert IV or Diploma in Government Investigations or equivalent.

Essential: Successful applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children's Check and Victorian driver's licence.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page.

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Antone Chin, Manager, Central Investigations via or

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Thursday 23 October 2025.