Senior Legal Counsel
The SSR is a statutory authority established under the Social Services Regulations Act 2021 (the Act). The Act gives effect to a comprehensive new regulatory scheme that aims to keep Victoria’s social service users safe from harms such as abuse and neglect.
The purpose of the Scheme is to:
- support the safe delivery of social services
- embed a new set of Social Service Standards for all service providers
- ensure service providers understand their role in protecting the rights of social service users
- define roles and responsibilities of service providers
- give the SSR monitoring and enforcement powers to respond to risks of harm
- improve information sharing between regulators so they can identify and respond to risks of harm
- replace the framework previously overseen by the Human Services Regulator.
The Scheme applies to prescribed services set out in the Social Services Regulations 2023 (Regulations). They include:
- Child protection services
- Community based child and family services
- Disability services
- Family violence services
- Homelessness services
- Out of home care services
- Secure welfare services
- Sexual assault services
- Supported residential services.
The SSR Legal team provides legal advice to the SSR and broader SSR workforce. This includes advice on the Act as well as all other legislative obligations.
The team has a strong focus on organisational improvement and collaboration. Team members have opportunities to, dependent on area of interest and experience, lead projects to enhance the operation of the organisation and Scheme.
Team members are supported in development and professional development opportunities.
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| Department: | Social Services Regulator(SSR) |
| Work Type: | Ongoing - full time |
| Job Function: | Legal |
| Classification: | VPSG5 |
| Work Location: | Melbourne - CBD |
| Reference: | VG/SSR/1854079 |
| Closing Date: | 21-Apr-2025 |
| Salary Range: | $109,730 - $132,764 |
| Job Duration: | N/A |
| Attachments: |
VPS5 Senior Legal Counsel.docx (Word, 93KB) Position Description |
| Contact: |
Iresha Herath Iresha.herath@ssr.vic.gov.au |
Position Details
THE ROLE
Reporting to the General Counsel, the Senior Legal Counsel provides high quality legal advice on the operational requirements of the Social Services Regulator (SSR) established under the Social Services Regulations Act 2021 (Vic) that underpins all aspects of the Social Services regulator scheme (Scheme).
This position assists the General Counsel in ensuring the Scheme is administered in accordance with all relevant legislation and the Victorian public sector and Scheme values.
The role includes providing legal services to support the SSR, SSR executives and the SSR Consultative Committee to execute their functions. It provides opportunities to work closely with regulatory teams. The role also has a strong focus on organisational improvement and collaboration.
ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE
- Provide strategic, risk-based legal advice on social service regulation and laws, and legal issues related to the SSR's functions, including complaints, notifications, investigations and a broad range of administrative law, legislative interpretation and corporate governance relating to the operation of the SSR and other related matters.
- Work closely with the policy and operational teams to support the translation of legal advice and statutory interpretation into operational policy.
- Provide sound legal advice to guide day to day operations, including, but not limited to, contract negotiation and management, employment, public sector obligations and management of any litigation.
- Support the development and enhancement of guidance and communication materials. This includes, but is not limited to, internal policy and procedure manuals, brochures, fact sheets, website content, online forms/applications, etc.
- Support the General Counsel in the delivery of high quality, stakeholder focused and cost-effective legal services in relation to highly complex and sensitive matters.
- Support and enhance governance arrangements to support effective and efficient management and decision making which is compliant with a wide range of public sector organisational responsibilities (e.g. privacy and data protection, freedom of information, occupational health and safety (OHS)).
- Support the General Counsel with development and maintenance of agreements between the SSR and other co-regulatory agencies to enable comprehensive, timely and streamlined safeguarding and information sharing arrangements.
- Contribute to and lead advice and management of freedom of information requests, protected disclosures and privacy matters, including by preparing advice, guidance and materials to ensure that the Commission meets its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic), Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic), and other relevant legislation.
HOW TO APPLY
All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) <https://jse.vic.gov.au/user/login?destination=/new-home-page> portal.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.
For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please contact SSR HR at humanresources@ssr.vic.gov.au.
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.
