Senior Compliance Officer, Health Regulator

About the role:

This position plays an important role reducing the likelihood of harm caused by scheduled medicines and poisons. The position is located in a small team of officers authorised under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 and the Therapeutic Goods (Victoria) Act 2010. The team focuses on compliance and investigations related to the un-lawful possession, storage, record keeping, labelling, use, prescribing and supply of scheduled medicines.

The Medicines and Poisons (Practitioners) team is responsible for responding to suspected non-compliance with legislation regulating scheduled substances. It achieves this through the proactive monitoring of Victoria's real-time prescription monitoring system (SafeScript), inspecting premises authorised to purchase, possess, supply or use scheduled substances and by responding to notifications and referrals from the public, other agencies, and practitioners.

Interventions by the team range from education in low impact or administrative matters to enforcement activities up to and including criminal prosecution for serious, intentional or recidivist contraventions of the law. In many instances, the team co-operates with co-regulators such as the Victorian Pharmacy Authority, Ahpra, Veterinary Practitioners Board and Victoria Police to achieve its overarching goal of ensuring the safe and lawful prescribing and supply of scheduled substances.

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.

About you:

Can you demonstrate the following?

• Conduct desktop and onsite assessments of regulated persons (primarily registered health practitioners), preparing reports, advice, and correspondence as required and assisting in taking essential regulatory action when non-compliance is identified.
• Demonstrated willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities with the ability to meet deadlines while working in pressured situations.
• Undertake high-level research and investigations into service delivery issues, risks and trends impacting on achieving key business objectives, policy initiatives and operational imperatives.
• Demonstrated experience in regulatory work, preferably related to compliance, field investigations, gathering of admissible evidence and permitting functions as well as knowledge of relevant government legislation.
• Drive continuous improvement in the review and development of team policies and processes.

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

Qualifications

• A Certificate IV in Government Investigations, or similar qualification is highly desirable
• Additional tertiary qualification in a relevant field (regulation, law, or Ahpra registered health professional) would be highly regarded.

Additional Requirements:

• The role may include periods of out-of- business hours work (weeknights and weekends) and travel to regional and remote areas. Current Victorian driver's licence.

Specialist Expertise

• An understanding of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981, its Regulations or, alternatively, similar legislation and ability to quickly obtain a relevant understanding.
• Experience in regulatory and public policy work as well as knowledge of relevant government legislation.

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. 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. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

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