About the role: 

Are you:

• Interested in working in a dynamic and challenging work environment?
• Do you have strong government law knowledge and good statutory interpretation skills?
• Capable of providing excellent client services and committed to professional team work?

Reporting to the Managing Principal Solicitor, Public Law and Legislation Unit within the Legal and Governance Branch, the Solicitor role will assist in a wide variety of work including provision of advice, involvement in legislation such as drafting of subordinate legislation, preparation of Ministerial correspondence and Governor in Council briefings in the health, ambulance services, mental health and ageing portfolios.  

The legal work includes conduct of mental impairment and unfitness to be tried matters, in addition to advice on relevant laws and on legal policy issues.  This position will have a particular focus on the drafting of subordinate legislation and involvement in the making of primary legislation.

About us: 

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.  

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. 

About you:

Key Accountabilities Include:

• Provide well-reasoned legal advice on contracts and other legal documentation, briefings and correspondence. 
• Prepare briefs and instruct counsel and contracted solicitors on the State Government Legal
• Panel. 
• Liaise with external stakeholders including barristers, court/tribunal staff, other government departments and agencies and professional bodies in relation to a wide range of legal and policy issues, to support the delivery of the Department of Health's strategic objectives and responsibilities. 
• Share information with other areas of the department to support continuous improvement, system learning and effective monitoring and coordination of departmental priorities and obligations.

Qualification (s): 
The successful candidate must hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law 2014.

Specialist expertise:
•  Minimum of 2 years' post admission experience is preferable but not essential.

It would be expected that the successful applicant will have:
•  an understanding of the process for the making of legislation and subordinate legislation.
•  good statutory interpretation skills.

Please note: We have one ongoing role and one fixed term full-time (12months) role. Please specify in your cover letter which role you are applying for.

What we offer: 

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date. 

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build 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 all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to participation in recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au. Please note that unsolicited applications from third parties cannot be accepted. If you have questions regarding the role, please message the contact person listed on the advertisement directly.  

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in line with our Privacy Policy.