At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place.

We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.

The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children’s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.

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.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers

We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?

• Exciting opportunity to join the Freedom of Information team
• VPSG 4 Classification salary range ($90,067 - $102,192) plus superannuation
• One (1) ongoing full time opportunity available

About Us

The Freedom of Information (FOI) team is part of the Corporate Governance and Support business unit in the Department of Justice and Community Safety. We have an exceptional opportunity for a passionate and enthusiastic person to join the team as an FOI Officer. As a member of the FOI requsts team you will use your knowledge and understanding of the application of legislation to process FOI requests for access to documents in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Working across all areas of the department, the FOI team operates in a dynamic and fast paced work environment that is both challenging and rewarding and provides opportunities for future growth and development.

About the Role

Freedom of Information (FOI) Officers process FOI requests for access to all documents held by the department including prisoner records, policy, finance and other departmental documents as required. FOI Officer are involved in all aspects of processing and assessing FOI requests received by the department, including making decisions on access and will be required to inform and advise staff and members of the general public about FOI procedures. The role processes the more complex FOI requests and will also involve some FOI project work and delivery of training programs.

Key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Respond to Freedom of Information requests received by the department on any issues and process FOI requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982
• Assist with the processing of more complex FOI requests received by the department on any issues
• Act as a delegate of the Secretary in making decisions on FOI requests
• When processing FOI requests, advise departmental staff in relation to FOI procedures, ensure issues are identified and managed and strict timelines are met
• Actively liaise with the executive and departmental liaison officers on matters relating to current FOI requests
• Respond to enquiries from staff, clients and members of the public about FOI procedures, access to health information and other FOI matters

About You

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Knowledge or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge, of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the skill to apply the Act to processing requests.
• Experience in interpretation of legislation, particularly the Freedom of information Act 1982, is desirable.

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 in this job advertisement.

FOR INTERNAL VPS EMPLOYEES:

For all VPS employees, due to the new JSE policy, please apply through the JSE only to be considered for this position.

For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic).

Therefore, there is a requirement that all DJCS employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to undertake duties outside of their homes.

Prior to commencement of employment with the department you will need to provide evidence that you are vaccinated against COVID-19. Acceptable evidence includes:

1. COVID-19 digital certificate (available via your myGov account)
2. Your immunisation history statement (available via your myGov account) or
3. A letter from the GP who vaccinated you.