Public Advocate

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place.

We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.

The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children’s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers

We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?
Job Details
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Department: Department of Justice and Community Safety
Work Type: Fixed term - full time
Job Function: Executive Management
Classification: SES2
Work Location: Melbourne - Northern Metro
Reference: VG/SA0004MARCH25
Closing Date: 27-Apr-2025
Salary Range: $290,601 - $419,000
Job Duration: Up to 7 Years
Attachments: Executive Position Description - Public Advocate SES2 - March 2025.pdf (PDF, 247KB)
Job Specification

Contact: Rachael Bowcott
rachael.bowcott@justice.vic.gov.au

Position Details

  • Utilise your expertise to promote and safeguard the rights and interests of people with disability.
  • Fixed Term, Full Time opportunity for up to 7 years to work with a high-performing and passionate team.
  • SES Grade 2: $290,601 - $419,000 Total Remuneration Package.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking Public Advocate to lead the Office of the Public Advocate.

About the Business Unit

The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) is an independent statutory office accountable to the Victorian Parliament which has been established to protect the rights, and enhance the position, of people with disabilities in Victoria. The role of the Public Advocate is to perform their statutory duties in protecting adults with impaired decision-making abilities.

About the Role

The Public Advocate is an independent statutory officer, with considerable legislative power to promote and safeguard the rights and interests of people with disability. The functions of the Public Advocate are set out in section 15 of the Guardianship and Administration Act 2019.

As the Public Advocate, some of your duties will include:

  • Providing strategic leadership to implement organisational change initiatives to enhance service delivery and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborating with community organisations to co-design policies and initiatives that reflect the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities.
  • Developing, implementing and advocating for human rights-focused policies and frameworks that align with best practice in the disability sector and improve outcomes for people with disabilities.

To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

  • Leadership Experience - proven experience in an executive leadership role with the demonstrated ability of making impactful changes within organisations.
  • Sector and Subject Matter - extensive knowledge and experience of the disability, mental health and/or aged-care sectors.
  • Strategic Policy Development - recognised expertise in strategic policy development initiatives with community organisations.

Qualifications

  • A relevant tertiary qualification in social science or a related discipline is highly desirable.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

DIVERSITY STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The department values an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from the LGBTIQ community, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

DJCS is committed to being an employer of choice for people with disability, and is part of the Victorian Government's Every opportunity plan which aims to better support and improve employment opportunities for people with disability.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and misconduct screening.


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