Principal Policy Officer

THE ROLE

The Principal Policy Officer role is a senior, specialist position contributing technical expertise and deep subject-matter knowledge to lead reform and improvement projects and support the effective stewardship of policy and program responsibilities for the Care Services system.

Working in the Care Services unit within the Children and Families Division, this position will undertake a range of priority projects and initiatives, essential stakeholder management responsibilities and program and policy development to support children and young people residing in Care Services.

The position will lead and contribute significantly to the delivery of key care services program and policy development and management, including through the provision of relevant specialist policy and program knowledge or technical expertise. The position will have program development responsibilities, require high level written and verbal communication skills, stakeholder engagement skills and ability to be responsive to tasks including the provision of high level responses in a timely manner and will be required to contribute to a variety of work priorities within the unit.

Each of the three roles will be based in and primarily support one of the Care Services teams (System Reform and Improvement, Residential Care and Home-based Care),though the role occupant may be asked to contribute to or assist with work from other teams in Care Services or elsewhere in the Children and Families Division, where there is a need for relevant specialist policy and program input.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

The purpose of this role is to lead on the provision of advice, policy development and coordination in relation to the department's response to the needs of children in Children and Families Branch. Key tasks include authoritative advice and analysis on service need and access issues for children and providers in the Children and Families Branch; leadership and management of budget initiatives; active liaison and communication across the department, whole of government and key stakeholders; and contribution to a range of service development and capacity building projects.

The successful applicant will be organised, relationships-focused, and demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, collaboration and innovation.

• Provide high quality authoritative advice and sound policy recommendations to senior management and government based on comprehensive research.

• Oversee the development of policy and initiatives that meet government and departmental objectives within resourcing, timeline, and budget parameters.

• Review and report on high priority issues, risks and trends and prepare and present comprehensive reports, ministerial briefs and cabinet and agency submissions on complex issues.

Please open the position description to read more.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs )

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.