Principal Policy Advisor

About the Role

The Principal Policy Advisor, Disability Inclusion Reform, will utilise their strong analytical and conceptual skills to lead and manage multifaceted policy projects and conduct complex policy analysis. They will have experience designing and delivering policy or initiatives related to disability and inclusion. The role will lead a range of key functions in the team, including developing policy and guidance, building inclusive capability and practice, and providing oversight of the Disability Inclusion Facilitator Service. The role requires the Principal Policy Advisor to:

• strategically support and co-manage a multi-disciplinary and high-performing team delivering a varied work program that is embedding the Disability Inclusion reform
• engage effectively with stakeholders and ensure key Disability Inclusion programs are effectively consulted upon and are responsive to feedback and data insights
• design and implement inclusive education policy, including in relation to assessments for students with disability and to support school inclusive practice
• support work that builds department area and regional/division staff inclusive practice and school inclusive capability
• manage a range of complex internal and external stakeholder relationships, including large-scale third-party relationships
• support a team culture that delivers high-quality outputs, in line with the department's values
• delivers a range strategic projects to support branch and divisional objectives.

The Principal Policy Advisor, Disability Inclusion Reform, has some people management responsibility (2 direct reports), in partnership with the Manager, Disability Inclusion Reform.

Work type

Ongoing - Full Time

Attributes

Refer to the Position Description.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Tertiary qualifications in related discipline and/or equivalent experience.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please provide a CV/Resume (2 pages) and a written response to the Key Selection Criteria (3 pages). See Position Description). Short-listed candidates may be asked to complete a work-related task.

About the Department

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.

About the Division

Inclusive Education Division

The Inclusive Education Division (IncED) has a central role in achieving the Education State Agenda by ensuring that all students will have access to the same quality education, regardless of their background or circumstance. This is reflective of our ambition to ensure students with disability and additional needs are engaged and active learners and are provided with the skills, knowledge and attributes they need to succeed in work and life. Specifically, the purpose of the Division is to:

• lead the Department's efforts to enhance service delivery and improve educational and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people with disability and additional needs
• focus on how the education system can better support children and young people with disability. This includes implementation of inclusive education reforms and oversight of the implementation of the Government's $1.6 billion Disability Inclusion reform
• work across DE and government departments and agencies to develop and lead policy and initiatives to maximise the access, participation, supported transition and achievement of children and young people with disability and additional needs.
• Builds the capability of regional and school-based staff to improve inclusive education frameworks, interventions and practices within regions, schools and early childhood settings. This includes SSS, behaviour, trauma and mental health.

IncED is responsible for the delivery of Disability Inclusion. Disability Inclusion will strengthen support for students with disability through the following measures:

Disability Inclusion Profile

• The profile is a new strengths-based process to help schools and families identify the student's strengths, needs, and the educational adjustments schools can make to help students with disability. Key people who understand the student's education and support needs will complete the profile together. This includes: the student, their family, school staff and others, as appropriate. A newly created facilitator role will help schools and families work together through the new approach.

Tiered school funding model

• Disability Inclusion introduces a tiered funding model for students with disability with additional funding for schools to help students with disability take part in their education on the same basis as their peers.
• The new model is based on a structured approach to funding which considers the diverse needs of students with disability.

Disability Inclusion System Capability Building Initiatives

• Disability Inclusion also delivers a series of system capability building initiatives to increase knowledge and skills in inclusive education.

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 Jarrod Sutton, Manager, Disability Inclusion Reform 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 20 October.