The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life.

Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. .

If you’re having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Head of Legal, Public Law and Privacy, the Managing Principal Solicitor will play a central role in managing legal risk for the department on public law related matters and provide expert policy and legal advice to the ministers, Secretary, the department and relevant administrative offices on a range of public law issues.

The successful applicant will have experience in providing legal and policy advice on a variety of public law issues, including administrative law, litigation, equal opportunity and human rights. The Managing Principal Solicitor will be responsible for overseeing sensitive litigation with minimal supervision in the portfolio of families, children and disability. This includes working on coronial investigations and inquiries, matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997, discrimination complaints, personal injury matters, as well as civil proceedings initiated in relation to alleged historical institutional abuse.

It is expected the successful applicant will possess highly developed statutory interpretation, conceptual, analytical and problem solving skills, combined with a flexible approach.

The Managing Principal Solicitor's role is key in providing leadership, management, support and mentorship to the solicitors in the team.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Lead the delivery of high quality, client focused and cost-effective legal 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.
• Lead the provision of practical, strategic support in the management of department litigation and legal disputes.
• Provide authoritative advice on complex legal and policy issues and prepare high level briefings and correspondence reflecting a strong understanding of cross government legal policy considerations.

Please open the position description to read more.

COVID-19 VACCINATION
The department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-19 vaccination status in accordance with current ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2023, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.

HOW TO APPLY

All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) <https://jse.vic.gov.au/user/login?destination=/new-home-page> portal.

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 (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.