The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is an independent statutory authority responsible for preparing and conducting criminal prosecutions in Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Matters prosecuted by the DPP and the OPP involve serious crimes or matters that are of significance to the fair and effective operation of the Victorian criminal justice system. The OPP consists of the Solicitor for Public Prosecutions and a staff of approximately 465 providing legal and corporate support to the DPP, the Chief Crown Prosecutor and Crown Prosecutors in the exercise of their independent roles in the criminal justice system.

Paralegal - Policy and Specialised Legal Unit

Full Time, Fixed Term – up to 12 months

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) has an opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join our organisation as a Paralegal within our Policy and Specialised Legal Division (PASL).

The Policy and Specialised Legal Division (PASL) plays a key role in supporting the DPP, OPP Executive and legal practice. It engages in specialised legal work such as advice to external agencies, collaborates with the legal practice on law reform consultations and other projects and supports solicitors working on prosecution files when issues like potential suppression order breaches arise.

The position of Paralegal is designed to attract law students who are advanced in their studies and  have either had exposure to the criminal jurisdiction or are interested in establishing and consolidating a strong criminal practice skill base.

About the Role:

• Provide legal administrative support, including but not limited to monitoring email inboxes and drafting responses.
• Undertake research, investigation and analysis of legal issues and provide written and verbal advice and recommendations as required.
• Analyse requests for access to OPP case records from members of the public, private law firms, and external government agencies, reviewing those case records and drafting appropriate responses in line with legislative requirements and privacy principles.

As our ideal candidate you will have:

• The ability to issue spot and put forward proposed solutions.
• High level interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in an environment of change, often with competing priorities

To apply, you will need to submit a resume, cover letter and complete the online questionnaire which can be found on the last page of the application process. This questionnaire will ask you to address some of the Key Selection Criteria which you must complete. Separate responses to the KSC outlined in the position description are not required.

The Office is committed to providing a safe working environment for staff, and may require employees to be fully vaccinated against preventable diseases such as, coronavirus (COVID-19) and other transmissible diseases based on Victorian Chief Health Officer's Directions as issued and updated from time to time.  Where relevant, proof of immunisation status may be required.

In accordance with the VPS recruitment process all candidates are subject to complete a pre-employment misconduct screening declaration. Further information is available on the VPSC website: https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/resources/pre-employment-screening-misconduct-victorian-public-service/

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 26^th of March 2023

The OPP is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.  People from all cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, or those who may experience disability related barriers in securing employment. If you require assistance with the recruitment process, or have accessibility requirements please contact recruit.info@opp.vic.gov.au

Persons considering applying for these positions should note that the recruitment process may be used to fill a commensurate position/s within 3 months of the completion of the recruitment without any further advertisement or interview. Please note this recruitment process, including interviews, will be conducted remotely.