Overview

Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time Salary: $116,413 - $140,849

Grade: VPS 5

Occupation: Policy

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DJ9142AUGUST2026

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?

- Shape adoption policy and help improve services for children and families.
- Provide legal advice that supports important adoption services.
- Help shape reforms following recent reviews and inquiries.
- Work on complex issues that can make a real difference.
- Ongoing,



full-time role earning $116,413 - $140,849 per year, plus super.

What you will do As Senior Legal Policy Officer, you will support adoption services across Victoria.

You will provide legal advice, develop policy and help plan reform.

You will

- provide clear legal policy advice to support adoption services
- help develop strong policies that meet Victorian and Commonwealth law
- advise on adoption matters and represent the department with courts and agencies
- support important legislative reforms and adoption program strategies
- prepare detailed reports, briefings and advice with clear options and recommendations.

About you A law degree is highly desirable for this role. You should have experience providing legal policy advice and interpreting legislation. Your writing should make complex law and policy easy to understand. You should also have:

- strong legal policy skills, including experience advising senior decision-makers on strategy and projects
- excellent writing skills that turn complex issues into clear advice
- flexibility and sound judgement when priorities, systems or situations change
- collaborative and inclusive skills that help people share knowledge and solve problems.

To learn even more about this role,



please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Helen Rechter at [email protected]**. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy.

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.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Child secure 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 secure and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.

Applications close Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 11.59pm

Posted

19 August 2026

📌 Senior Legal Policy Officer, Adoption Services (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Government
📍 Melbourne