About us

The Department of Health and Human Services develops and delivers policies, programs and services that support and enhance the wellbeing of all Victorians. Our services are in line with the government's vision for making Victoria a stronger, more caring and innovative state.

Our vision is to achieve the best health, wellbeing and safety of all Victorians so that they can live a life they value.

We are building an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of vulnerable Victorians.

The department is committed to the safety of its clients. The department takes a zero tolerance approach to abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability.

Departmental employees are required to comply with all legal requirements including the Child Safe Standards to keep children safe from harm and abuse.

All jobs can be worked flexibly and we encourage job applications from Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, LGBTI and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

If you want a career within a department striving to make Victoria the best place to be and helping shape communities we all want to be part of, then we encourage you to apply.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant, or if you have a disability, and require advice and support with the recruitment process, contact our Diversity Unit at [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Solicitor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

The department has a zero tolerance towards violence within the workplace and recognises the rights of all staff to be free from violence and gender-related discrimination.

About the role

The Senior Solicitor role undertakes and manages complex legal cases and provides comprehensive legal advice/representation in the Children's Court and other jurisdictions.

This role is responsible for the provision of expert advice, collegial support and representation for Child Protection practitioners in matters before the courts. The position will provide staff with appropriate courses of action to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families involved with Child Protection and the courts.  The role will train, mentor and support Child Protection practitioners in legal and court processes and monitor Child Protection delivery in a legal context.

The role will build strong working relationships with the child protection program and across the Legal Services Branch.

This position services the Child Protection Program across the South West Areas and will involve travel and attendance at courts in surrounding areas.

Are you:

• Interested in working in a dynamic, challenging but rewarding work environment?
• Capable of providing excellent client services and committed to professional team work?
• Confident when providing legal advice drawing on the Children Youth and Families Act 2005, Children's Court and related jurisdictions?

A position description is attached.