POSITION SUMMARY

• Provide authoritative advice, reasoned recommendations and innovative solutions to complex and sensitive issues based on comprehensive research.
• Develop policy 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.

An exciting opportunity exists for a Manager, Child Safeguarding Policy on a Fixed term - Until 30 June 2023 - Full time basis in Children and Families Branch.

Children and Families leads the development and translation of policy into operation service delivery for child protection, care services, family services and the government's commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and self-management as outlined in the vision of the Aboriginal Children's Forum, Wungurilwil Gapgdapduir: Aboriginal Children and Families Agreement, Roadmap for Reform and Beyond Good Intentions. The branch is responsible for ensuring best practice legislation, policy, programs and initiatives which are developed effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of the Victorian community. The branch leads a range of child safeguarding initiatives, primarily the Royal Commission response and implementation of the new child sharing information legislation.

The Manager, Child Safeguarding Policy will lead a team with responsibility for the ongoing policy and coordination work arising from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (the Royal Commission) and development of the Child Information Sharing Scheme, Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme, and the Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM). The Manager will have oversight of development of policy advice and coordinating departmental feedback on Victorian and national child safeguarding initiatives and work arising from the Victorian Government's agenda to improve the safety and wellbeing of women, children, and families, including MARAM and the information sharing schemes and their associated practice supports, handbooks and guides, Ministerial Guidelines, performance measures, and reporting and governance frameworks 

• prepare the department's contribution to the Victorian and Commonwealth Annual Reports on implementation of Royal Commission recommendations
• prepare advice and supporting material for department Executives, Secretary and Ministers' participation in Victorian and Commonwealth governance forums.

The role involves extensive liaison with lead agencies Family Safety Victoria (FSV), and the Departments of Education and Training, and Justice and Community Safety. The role requires excellent drafting skills, and the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. The successful candidate will be able to quickly absorb, analyse, and cross-reference complex information, develop policy recommendations, and present this information in a succinct and persuasive manner.

As our ideal candidate, you will be required to demonstrate:

1. Written communication: prepares complex briefs, letters, emails and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language; edits written communications to ensure they contain the information necessary to achieve their purpose and meet audience needs; ensures appropriate style and formats are used.
2. Planning and organising: sets clearly defined objectives and priorities and operates accordingly, reviewing and adjusting as required; identifies processes, tasks and resources required to achieve a goal; establishes systems and procedures to guide work and track progress; recognises actual and potential barriers and finds effective ways to deal with them
3. Self-management: invites feedback on own behaviour and impact; uses new knowledge or information about self to build a broader understanding of own behaviour and the impact it has on others; understands strong emotional reactions and seeks ways to more effectively manage them.

For more information on the accountabilities and key selection criteria and qualification requirements for the role please refer to the Position Description attached.

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. The department may require its employees to be fully vaccinated against preventable diseases such as the current coronavirus (COVID-19) based on Victorian Chief Health Officer's Directions as issued and updated from time to time. Vaccination requirements may differ from role to role based on their risk category and the duties performed. The department's policy (attached) outlines the risk categories and requirements for employees working for the department. Where relevant, proof of immunisation status may be required. For this role, you are required to submit proof of vaccination prior to commencement. Please refer to the attached policy for more information - DFFH COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination policy.

HOW TO APPLY:

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 outlining their suitability to the position in line with the Key Selection Criteria (max 2 pages)

All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to JSE) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) portal.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a 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.  c

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)

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