Senior Policy Officer

About This Role

• Join Victoria's Youth Justice Precinct at Parkville.
• Drive and support the implementation of the Youth Justice Act as it relates to the Youth Parole Board and its Secretariat.
• Lead the development and delivery of high-quality policy advice, strategic briefings, reports, and project management support for senior executives, the DJCS Secretary, and Ministers.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety (department) is responsible for the statutory supervision of young people in the criminal justice system in Victoria focusing on prevention, diversion, and early intervention as the most effective and fiscally responsible ways of reducing youth crime.

The Youth Parole Board is an independent statutory body established under section 442 of the Children, Youth and Families Act It has jurisdiction over all young people sentenced to detention in a youth residential centre (aged or a youth justice centre (aged 15-20), as well as those transferred from adult prison to youth justice custody by the Adult Parole Board.

The
opportunity

• Fixed-Term, full-time position until 30 June 2028 based in Melbourne.
• VPS5 role: $113,022 - $136,747 per year plus super.
• Lead and deliver priority reforms and strategic projects, ensuring outcomes are achieved within agreed timelines, quality standards, and resource constraints
• Provide high-level and authoritative policy and legal advice to departmental executives and Ministers on complex and sensitive issues, supported by clear and concise briefings

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have

• Knowledge of and/or experience in Victorian Government administrative processes.
• Sound knowledge of youth justice and broader criminal justice policy issues, or proven ability to quickly acquire and apply this understanding.
• Experience in the development and implementation of policy and procedures, with demonstrated skills in technical writing and drafting operational manuals.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects within legislative framework, from planning through to delivery.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, social sciences, criminology and/or law is 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 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.

If you have any queries, please contact Alana Mondre on or

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact

if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.
For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made
We want to make sure all Victorians feel represented by the department's work. One of the ways we do this is by recruiting a diverse workforce – we welcome people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability and cultural background. We are also committed to the Victorian Government's promise to increase the number of veterans working in the public sector.

We're proud of our individual differences. We're proud of the many languages we speak and the stories we can share with each other. We hope you will share your story too.

If this sounds like a compelling job that you believe your skills would be a great match for, please APPLY NOW. Applications close 11.59pm, 27th October 2025.
How To Apply
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
Important Information
CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.