The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of Victorians into the future. We also lead the Victorian Government's response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Working with our partners, we oversee Victoria's health system including mental health, ageing and aged care and preventive health. We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. All jobs can be worked flexibly and we encourage job applications from Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position in the Water Unit (Water Sector Risk and Prevention team) sits within the Health Protection Branch of the Department of Health. The Water Unit aims to protect people from chemical and microbial hazards in water and seeks to improve the health of Victorians by administering the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003, the Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973, and provisions relating to aquatic facilities under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. More information about managing water quality to protect public health is available at https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/water.

The position is an authorised officer responsible for administration of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and associated regulations. The position has a regulatory function and liaises with the Victorian water agencies. Responsibilities include matters relating to water agencies compliance, response to issues affecting the safety or aesthetics of drinking water and overseeing risk management from catchment to tap for drinking water supplies. The position provides scientific, evidence-based and informed advice regarding human health risks from water issues relating to microbial and chemical risks.

The position also develops and implements drinking water related policy and initiatives and monitors, assesses and reports on issues, incidents, investigations and emergencies regarding drinking water quality and human health risks. The role also provides stand-by duty out-of-business hours on a rotating roster responding to water quality incidents and emergencies.

Accountabilities

• Actively monitor and follow up regulatory and compliance related matters with the Victorian water agencies and report as required on these issues to the manager in order to effectively administer the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and associated regulations to protect public health.
• Provide advice and contribute to the development of sound policy initiatives that meet government and departmental objectives to address specific public health-related drinking water issues, contributing to a ‘whole-of-government' approach to meeting broader Victorian objectives for drinking water.
• Assist with the monitoring and reporting of high priority issues, risks and trends and prepare and present comprehensive reports, ministerial briefs, cabinet and agency submissions.
• Develop and implement compliance and evaluation strategies to address issues related to the effective provision and implementation of required outcomes.
• Foster effective working relationships to support the flow of information across the department and with key external stakeholders.
• Manage the delivery of projects under limited direction, ensuring they are delivered in accordance with relevant legislation and government regulations and guidelines.
• Administer department operational policies in relation to the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003, Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973 and other related health legislation.
• Analyse technical documents and data, provide technical advice and recommendations relating to water treatment and the public health aspects of water and prepare reports.
• Respond to and investigate incidents and events concerned with public health-related drinking water issues in collaboration with stakeholders and other government agencies and make recommendations for action.
• Keep accurate and complete records of your work activities in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's records, information security and privacy policies and requirements.
• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for that of others in the workplace by working in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.

Mandatory Vaccination Policy

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its workers and clients. As it is an essential element of any role within the department that employees be able to attend work onsite and to do so safely, employees are required to be up-to-date with their vaccinations against COVID-19 as a condition of their employment. This requirement applies unless they have a medical condition which means they cannot be vaccinated against COVID -19. Therefore, the department will ask any prospective employee, who has been identified as the preferred candidate for a role within the department, to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status prior to any offer of employment being made. If a prospective employee has a relevant medical condition which means they cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19, they should contact the department to discuss their individual circumstances.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants are encouraged to apply online, submitting a cover letter and a current resume.

The Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) Recruitment Policy allows for priority consideration for Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.

As such, these employees are strongly encouraged to submit their application through https://www.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-skills-exchange rather than via external advertisement.

For this position, you are not required to address each of the key selection criteria in a separate written document.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including national police check and misconduct screening.

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.

For further information please visit the Department of Health <https://www.health.vic.gov.au>

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your interest in this position.