The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role: 

The Director, Legal Advisory and Integrity will play a critical leadership role in the Legal Services and Integrity (LSI) Branch. The role oversees the provision of broad legal services, including the delivery of legislation services to the department, Ministers and Administrative Offices, advising on the exercise of statutory powers, investigations, claims, contracts, property, and privacy law. This role will also lead, develop and provide oversight for the Integrity Unit and for the legal support team under the Legal Practice Manager.

As a Director within the LSI Branch, you will be required to provide authoritative, clear, timely, practical and specialist legal advice on a broad range of matters relevant to the department's responsibilities.

Demonstrated experience in managing a team of legal professionals and advising on commercial and public law is essential. Experience in privacy, procurement, probity, public liability, employment, legislative development, and statutory interpretation (including compliance with the Charter of Human Rights) will be highly regarded.

The Director leads a complex portfolio of responsibilities across four business areas covering Commercial Legal Advisory; Integrity; Privacy and Information Sharing; and Legal Support, as well as providing legal advice on complex Executive led matters.  

It oversees the detection, investigation, and prevention of integrity matters related to fraud, corruption and misconduct; and as the Public Interest Disclosure Coordination, will be responsible for the department's Public Interest Disclosure regime.

The Director will lead the delivery of high quality, client focused and cost effective legal and oversight services in relation to highly complex and sensitive matters with the aim of effectively and cooperatively resolving issues and ensuring the department adopts a culture of continual service improvement.

 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. 

How you'll make a difference:

The role requires excellent judgement and the ability to deal with sensitive and complex matters with integrity. It requires the ability to get across detailed technical information quickly and make decisions under pressure, as well as strong skills in communication, stakeholder management, negotiation, and practical problem-solving.  

Suitable applicants will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven ability to scope, assess and mitigate complex legal risks, develop strategic, pragmatic and responsive solutions and convey complex ideas clearly; works with colleagues to develop options to factor in legal risk or manage or mitigate that risk; demonstrates ability to interpret legislation and strong advisory skills
• Effectively identify and report high risk matters or possible system-wide improvements stemming from privacy breaches and/or integrity investigations, prevention and detection activities. 
• Strong risk assessment skills and judgement regarding escalation and management of risks

To learn more please click ‘Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website. 

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 inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy. 

The Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) Recruitment Policy allows for priority consideration for employees who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform. As such, these employees are strongly encouraged to submit their application through the JSE.