Operational Policy Officer

Department of Justice and Community Safety; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Job summary

Department of Justice and Community Safety in Melbourne is seeking two full-time, ongoing VPS4 policy officers to develop and maintain operational policies for Youth Justice. The role focuses on ensuring policies reflect contemporary, evidence-based practice and legislative requirements across community and custodial operations.

You'll work with subject-matter experts to implement key reforms, interpret legislation and support human rights compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting policy development in government or justice settings.
• Ability to interpret legislation with guidance and apply it to policy work.
• Exposure to Charter assessments, human rights analysis or legal compliance (desirable).
• Strong research and analytical skills to synthesize evidence and information.
• Clear, audience-appropriate written communication for briefs and reports.
• Tertiary qualification in law, public policy, criminology or related discipline desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review and maintain operational policies and procedures.
• Ensure policies comply with the Youth Justice Act 2024 and relevant legislation.
• Collaborate with staff and stakeholders to develop practical guidance.
• Assist with implementation of Youth Justice reforms and policy changes.
• Support interpretation of legislation and policy in procedural work.

Education

Law degree or related field

Public policy or criminology background

Job description

Great opportunity to join Youth Justice on an ongoing or fixed term basis in Melbourne.Contribute to the development, review and maintenance of operational policies and procedures ensuring they provide contemporary, evidence-based and practical guidance.Support a safe, effective and contemporary Youth Justice practice.The Department of Justice and Community Safety is responsible for the statutory supervision of children and young people in the criminal justice system. Youth Justice provides strategic advice and delivers targeted interventions to address underlying causes of offending behaviour in children and young people, supporting rehabilitation to reduce reoffending and enhance community safety.The Opportunity2 full time, ongoing positions, based in Melbourne with regular travel to the Youth Justice custodial precincts and community officesVPS4 role: $100,894 - $114,476 per year plus superannuation.Contribute to the development, review and maintenance of operational policies and procedures to ensure they provide contemporary, evidence-based and practical guidance to Youth Justice staff across community and custodial operations.Assist with the implementation of key Youth Justice legislation, policy and reforms.Support work to ensure that operational policies and procedures comply with the Youth Justice Act 2024, the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, Child Safe Standards and other relevant legislation and policy requirements.Work closely with Youth Justice staff, subject matter experts and key stakeholders to develop guidance that is practical, legally sound and responsive to operational needs.To be successful in this role you will have:Experience supporting the development, review or implementation of policy, procedures or practice guidance, preferably in a government, justice or human services environment.Ability to interpret legislation, policy or administrative requirements with guidance, and apply them to policy and procedural work.Exposure to Charter assessments, human rights analysis or legal compliance work is desirable.Sound research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather and synthesise evidence, operational information and best-practice material to support policy and procedural work.Well-developed written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate and audience-appropriate drafts, briefs and reports.A relevant tertiary qualification in law, public policy, criminology, social sciences or a related discipline is also desirable.You will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check, which you will need to maintain for the period of employment.A current full driver's license is desirable as travel to other offices within the department may be required.To learn more about the type of skills you will need to thrive in this role, please read the position description.If you have any queries, please contact Benjamin Russo on 0438 995 760 or [e-mail]'s in it for you?You will be working for the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which is one arm of the Victorian State Government, a recognised top employer of choice nationally. All our staff work to the vision of a safe, just, innovative and thriving Victoria.There are many advantages in working for the department, including:Job stability - position as a member of the Victorian Public Service (VPS).A fair salary- enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options.Transparent performance framework- approach your work with confidence in how you're tracking, working to professional development plans agreed on by you and your manager.Generous leave entitlements- provisions for many forms of leave; including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate, and sick leave.Employee Assistance Program support - you are encouraged to use this short-term, confidential counselling service if you're experiencing emotional stress, relationship problems, conflict with others or personal issues. It is also available for financial counselling and retirement planning.Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact [e-mail] if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being madeWe want to make sure all Victorians feel represented by the department's work. One of the ways we do this is by recruiting a diverse workforce - we welcome people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability and cultural background. We are also committed to the Victorian Government's promise to increase the number of veterans working in the public sector.We're proud of our individual differences. We're proud of the many languages we speak and the stories we can share with each other. We hope you will share your story too.If this sounds like a compelling job that you believe your skills would be a great match for, please APPLY NOW. Applications close 11.59pm, Wednesday 3 November 2026.How to applyPlease click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.IMPORTANT INFORMATION:CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.