About the role:

The Specialist Children's Court Prosecution Group (SCCPG) is a state-wide network of prosecutors who primarily conduct prosecutions in the Children's Court of Victoria and provide support and advice regarding the prosecution and policing of children and young people. The SCCPG sits within the Prosecutions Court Branch of the Legal Services Department of Victoria Police.

As a member of Melbourne Children's Court Prosecution Unit (MCCPU), you will be part of a dedicated team and will have the opportunity to prosecute a range of matters including serious youth offences. You will gain knowledge and experience through working on matters specific to the Children's Court jurisdiction such as uplift applications, Doli Incapax, youth diversions and sentencing. The Children's Court of Victoria fosters a therapeutic and rehabilitative focus, where all stakeholders collaborate to achieve positive outcomes from young people and their families.

This is a multifaceted and dynamic role that offers an opportunity to be exposed to serious indictable criminal matters and complex areas of law as an in-court advocate and supervisor. The primary responsibilities of this role are to prepare matters for court, negotiate appropriate outcomes in line with the relevant law and policy, appear in court, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, case manage complex matters, supervise and develop junior staff and provide support and assistance to the Officer in Charge in respect of operational and managerial issues. In carrying out your role, you will ensure that community expectations are met and that fair and just outcomes are achieved.

As the successful applicant, you will be an experienced advocate who is able to demonstrate an ability to manage competing priorities effectively. Furthermore, you will be a person who is self-motivated, conscientious and eager to foster a culture that promotes excellence and inclusion.

Victoria Police is a contemporary and agile workplace and supports flexible working arrangements.

Your duties will include:

• Undertaking advocacy work, caseload management and providing legal advice/information to a range of clients in criminal and civil prosecutions and other areas as directed.
• Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships within Victoria Police.
• Supervising, training and providing professional development and support to junior staff members.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders across agencies to ensure cooperative and proactive approaches to addressing community harm.
• Attending court and prosecuting high-level and often complex matters on behalf of Victoria Police.
• Liaising with legal representatives and court staff.
• Providing support and assistance to senior management in relation to operational and strategic issues.
• The management of portfolio holdings relevant to SCCPG practice.
• Supporting the delivery of a high-quality prosecution service within a team environment.

As the successful applicant, you will have:

• Admission to practice as an Australian Lawyer, with an unrestricted practising certificate.
• Current drivers' licence.

Requirements and relevant information:

• This is one (1) ongoing full-time position.
• All positions are located at Melbourne Children's Court Unit, 456 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, however may be required to travel to other prosecution units.
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
• The successful applicant will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening.
• In accordance with organisational policy, all Victoria Police employees are required to be fully vaccinated (including a booster vaccination) against COVID-19 or hold a valid medical exception. As such your employment with Victoria Police is subject to providing evidence of your vaccination status.
• As a member of the Legal Services Department, you will be located on selection, at a specific office within a Division for a particular advertised opportunity. However, given occasional legal service demand issues you may be required at times to undertake varied work within the Department.  This supports the Departments commitment to a flexible and deployable legal workforce and professional development opportunities in a range of legal domains.

Your application must include:

• Resume
• Completed application form – the word document (2. Application form) for you to complete and attach to your submission, is attached to the job advertisement
• A copy of your Australian Legal Practising Certificate.

Applications close Sunday 26 March 2023.

Please Note: All applications will need to be submitted through one of the following platforms; Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) website, Victorian Government careers website (Careers.vic) or Seek. Applications will not be accepted via other platforms or email.

Current Victorian Government employees must apply via Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE). 

For further information on this role please contact: Jessica McCartney, A/Managing Principal Lawyer on jessica.mccartney@police.vic.gov.au or 03 8533 1019.

If you have a disability/medical condition and require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirements/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process, please contact VPS Recruitment via email VPSRECRUITMENT@police.vic.gov.au or on (03) 8335 6004.

About Us:

Victoria Police has a dedicated workforce of more than 22,000 employees consisting of police, protective services officers, police custody officers, and public service staff. Each employee plays a vital role in providing the 24/7, 365 days a year emergency response and public safety capability the organisation delivers to its community. As a Victoria Police employee, you have a dedication and commitment to community safety. 

Having a workforce that reflects the community we serve is important to Victoria Police. We want to attract and retain people of all genders, ages, religions, disability, sexual orientation, family and caring responsibilities, and cultures including people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you are interested in a position, we encourage you to apply as we celebrate the benefit that diversity brings to our employees, our services, and our community.

Find out what it is like working as a Victorian Public Servant for Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/vps