• Are you a Solicitor looking to join Victorian Public Service? Join DH!
• Rare & Exciting Opportunity - Full-time Permanent SOL-3 position
• Melbourne CBD/Hybrid + Flexible working options + EAP Program + Leave Loading & more!

About the role: 

Reporting to the Managing Principal Solicitor, Public Law and Legislation Team within the Legal Services and Integrity Branch, the Solicitor role will assist the Public Law and Legislation Team 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. 

How you'll make a difference:

• Provide well-reasoned legal advice, contracts and other legal documents, briefings and correspondence
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver client-focused legal services, including engaging with solicitors on the State Government Legal Panel where necessary
• Prepare Governor in Council documents and other instruments and draft subordinate legislation and drafting instructions for the drafting of primary legislation
• Prepare briefs and instruct counsel in the Country and Supreme Courts in relation to matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997
• Liaise with external stakeholders includign barristers, court/tribunal staff, other governmetn departments and agencies and professional bodies in relation to a wide range of legal and policy issues
• Share information with other areas of the department to support continuous improvemetn, system learning, and effective monitoring and coordination of departmental priorities and obligations

Our Next Solicitor:

To be successful in this position, you will possess:

• A current praciticing certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Vic) - or be eligible to hold
• Min. 2 years post admission experience
• Understanding of the process for the making of legislation and subordinate legislation
• Sound statutory intepretation skills
• Exceptional communication skills - both written and verbal, along with ability to communicate with influence
• Client-focused mindset
• Ability to self-manage and work in teams

To learn more please click ‘Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website. 

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 & Sector.
• 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 disabilities, 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. Please view our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion here.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks including proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence, in line with our Privacy Policy. 

The Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) Recruitment Policy allows for priority consideration for Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform. As such, these employees are strongly encouraged to submit their application through JSE rather than via external advertisement.