About the Role

The Policy Advisor in the Wellbeing Workforces and Child Safety Unit will provide policy advice and contribute to the Department of Education's work to safeguard children in Victorian schools.

As required, the Policy Advisor may also contribute to other workstreams within the WHED portfolio.

The Policy Advisor will:

• have relevant experience and skills in policy or project management
• provide advice, analyse and contribute to policy formulation
• demonstrate excellent written skills, deliver high quality briefings and other corporate or school-facing written materials, tailored for the audience
• think critically and solve problems, as they contribute to drafting new policies within their work area and adjust existing policies to better align with child safety best practice
• contribute to stakeholder consultation processes
• contribute to secretariat roles, as required
• contribute to a positive and engaged team culture.
  
  

Work type

Full time, Fixed Term - The position is available from 1 April 2026 until 19 December 2026
 
Attributes

The Policy Advisor will:

• have relevant experience and skills in policy or project management
• provide advice, analyse and contribute to policy formulation
• demonstrate excellent written skills, deliver high quality briefings and other corporate or school-facing written materials, tailored for the audience
• think critically and solve problems, as they contribute to drafting new policies within their work area and adjust existing policies to better align with child safety best practice
• contribute to stakeholder consultation processes
• contribute to secretariat roles, as required
• contribute to a positive and engaged team culture.
  
  

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

A relevant qualification is desirable.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max. 2 pages for cover letter) that responds clearly but succinctly to the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.

About the Department

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services. The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres

About the Division

Wellbeing Health and Engagement Division

The Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division (WHED) leads the department's efforts to support student wellbeing, health, engagement and inclusion. WHED provides policy advice, delivers initiatives, programs and training, supports schools and works in collaboration with partners across the education system and community sector to support positive outcomes for students.

Family Violence and Child Safety Branch

The Family Violence and Child Safety Branch leads the department's work on family violence prevention and response in schools, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, prevention of child abuse, antibullying and supporting wellbeing workforces in the education system.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Grace Mountford, Wellbeing Workforces and Child Safety Unit via phone: 03 7022 2055 or email: grace.mountford@education.vic.gov.au 

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on 19 December 2025