Role Highlights

• Work with a dynamic and enthusiastic team
• Work collaboratively and engage with stakeholders
• Have an impact on the youth of South Australia

Role Details

The Principal Policy and Project Officer is a role within Youth Justice and Exceptional Needs and is accountable to the Manager, Strategy, Policy and Reporting, for:

• Effective planning and policy development across Youth Justice and Exceptional Needs program areas.
• Undertaking analysis, enhancement and delivery of policy and practice implementation across Youth Justice and Exceptional Needs.
• Delivering effective project management, planning and service integration and strategic engagement with key stakeholders as required regarding service design.
• Contributing to the directorate’s quality leadership approach and the achievement of strategic directions, goals and priorities.

Key outcomes and accountabilities:

• Lead, design, conduct and manage project and service model planning and implementation within the team.
• Develop strategic and operational policy through appropriate analysis and consultation that translates into effective service delivery outcomes.
• Communicate strategically and effectively with internal and external stakeholders to implement DHS and Youth Justice and Exceptional Needs policy directions and objectives.
• Provide high quality and timely advice, briefings and reports.
• Liaise with Government Departments, non-government providers and community-based organisations as required at a state and national level to advance whole of government initiatives.
• Provide leadership within Youth Justice and Exceptional Needs for continuous improvement of the policy area and contribute to regular business planning reviews.
• Assist in developing the team’s competence, provide mentoring and encourage opportunities for professional development.

Note:

Any other responsibilities in line with the classification level of the role as assigned by Line Manager and/or the Department. The responsibilities as specified above may be altered in accordance with the changing requirements of the role.

Special Conditions

• National Police Check required.
• Employment-related Screening Check required.
• Some out of hours work may be required.
• Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.
• Must hold a current Australian issued driver’s licence (equivalent to minimum class C).
• Qualifications in criminology, law, justice studies or related fields is desirable.
• Role Status: term up to 18/04/2025.

About the Business

Our Community and Aboriginal Partnerships Division helps to build community safety and wellbeing by providing support and services to children, young people and families, including those involved with the youth justice system, remote Aboriginal communities, people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and people with complex and exceptional needs. The division also leads the department's Closing the Gap efforts. 

Contact Us

Enquiries to Katharine Short
08 7133 8824
[email protected] using the subject line: Principal Policy and Project Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Diversity And Inclusion

DHS is committed to making our services and workplaces safe and inclusive for all people and ensuring the full diversity of the communities we serve are represented in our workforce, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or neurodivergence, young people, older people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you require assistance with this process, please contact us at [email protected] using the subject line: Principal Policy and Project Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs and a member of the team will get back to you.

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We also celebrate the many strengths and skills people with disability and/or neurodivergent people bring to our workplace and acknowledge our role in ensuring a supportive work environment for people with disability and/or neurodivergent people to thrive in.

Application Instructions

Resume and Cover Letter

You are required to submit a cover letter, up to a maximum of two pages, addressing how your skills, attributes and experience meet the role specific capabilities and attach your current resume via the online application form. For more information about applying, refer to our Job Application Guide.

Screening Checks

If you are new to the department and are invited to an interview, you will be required to produce a National Police Check, which has been issued within six months of your application for the role. National Police Checks can be applied for via the South Australia Police or through an Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission accredited body.

If the role you are applying for also requires an Employment-related Screening Check, you will be required to undergo such assessment as is advised by DHS, including periodic assessment during your employment.

A position description is attached.