ABOUT YOUR ORGANISATION

The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is an independent statutory authority, whose primary function is to regulate members of the teaching profession.

The VIT’s vision is to ensure that Victorian learners have the best teachers. All our work focusses on raising the quality of teaching, and providing for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

We are committed to building an inclusive workforce where the full potential of all employees is reached and our differences are embraced. The VIT supports and enables employees to work safely in a discrimination-free environment and enjoy equal opportunities.

By joining the team at VIT, you will work within a friendly, high-performance culture with a focus on people and their development.

Benefits include

• Flexible working arrangements
• Consultative leadership team who cares about staff, and actively supports career and professional development
• Positive and active social culture
• Access to a wide variety of leave options and salary packaging arrangements
• Strong commitment to equity, including through a comprehensive Gender Equity Action plan
• Mental health and wellbeing initiatives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• ‘A grade' office building with 4.5-star energy rating and modern end-of-trip facilities – only minutes from Southern Cross station.

Be part of a workforce who share VIT’s vision and are committed to contributing to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is the statutory authority for the regulation of the teaching profession in Victoria, in accordance with the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (‘the Act’). Our vision is for all Victorian children and young people to have the best teachers. We are driven by our values: we are considerate, we are open, we value each other, and we are accountable.

This role will require you to:

• Provide high-level legal advice in relation to all aspects of VIT’s regulatory functions, including conducting complex investigations, managing disciplinary proceedings, and prosecuting offences under the Act.
• Conduct risk assessments in relation to information, notifications and complaints received about registered teachers.
• Represent the VIT at complex disciplinary hearings, court proceedings (appeals/prosecutions), including by drafting allegations and submissions; preparing hearing books; conferencing with witnesses; and undertaking appearance work in matters where required.
• Provide advice to influence policy development, contribute to business planning and manage VIT projects that arise from legislative change.
• Provide mentoring and support to lawyers in the Legal Team.

ABOUT YOU

The Senior Lawyer role offers an outstanding opportunity for a professional who is passionate about using their expertise to support VIT in its regulation of Victorian teachers.

With expert knowledge, you will have at least 5+ years PAE in providing legal advice in administrative law, regulation, disciplinary issues, criminal law and statutory interpretation. You will also have advocacy experience, and a background in working within a regulatory context.

If you fit this profile, then you could join the dynamic Professional Conduct Branch at VIT with an exciting and challenging mandate to enable quality teaching and provide for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

Be part of a forward-thinking, risk-based regulator where ideas and opinions are valued.

For a list of the key selection criteria refer to the position description.

To discuss this role further, please contact Shameema Barekzai, Legal Manager, Professional Conduct Branch by email at [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Lawyer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Our recruitment and selection process is based on the public sector employment principles and will include the following overarching principles:

• Our decisions will be based on merit - we will assess each applicant’s skills, knowledge, attributes and qualifications objectively against the key selection criteria
• We will be fair, reasonable and equitable - we will provide equal employment opportunities
• We will be objective
• We will comply with our privacy obligations during the recruitment and selection process.

During the recruitment and selection process, shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit to various assessment tools and pre-employment screenings. This may include consent to conduct a nationally coordinated criminal history check.

The VIT is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for its employees and stakeholders. We require all employees to comply with VIT’s vaccination policy.

A position description and recruitment process information pack are attached.