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

The Senior Policy Officer works independently as part of a small team to develop policy positions on key national disability reform activities, including the Disability Royal Commission, the NDIS Review and the development of Foundational Supports. The Senior Policy Officer will liaise across the Victorian Government and with the Commonwealth and states and territories in order to determine positions and influence the national agenda to align with Victoria's interests.

The work to develop policy proposals in the design of the Foundational Supports system is complex, fast paced and requires sophisticated intragovernmental and interjurisdictional collaboration and leadership.

You will provide advice to Government on priority policy issues relating to national reforms, in particular Foundational Supports. You will be required to demonstrate a sound understanding of the process for Government Reponses to Royal Commissions and the issues and concerns facing the disability community.

You will be required to coordinate internal and external stakeholder engagement on the department's integrated response to the NDIS Review and Disability Royal Commission. Drawing on your skills as an experienced Senior Policy Officer, you proactively develop strategic solutions and develop strong relationships across the Victorian Government and other states and territory governments.Working in close partnership with stakeholders, you will develop, analyse and coordinate complex information through liaison, negotiation and influence.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Provide authoritative advice, reasoned recommendations and innovative solutions to complex and sensitive issues based on comprehensive research.
• Develop a range of policy and legislative initiatives that meet government and departmental objectives within resourcing, timeline and budget parameters.
• Monitor and report on high priority issues, risks and trends and prepare and present reports, ministerial briefs, Cabinet and agency submissions.

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.