The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a protected, respected and valued life.

Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

If you're having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Job Details

Department: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Work Type: Fixed term - full time Job Function: Projects Classification: VPSG5 Work Location: Melbourne - CBD Reference: VG/00783113 Closing Date: 12-Oct-2026 Salary Range: $116,413 - $140,849 Job Duration: Fixed term until: 30-JUN-2027 Attachments: (Word, 131KB)
Position Description

Contact: Sophie Caruso
95005362 [email protected]

Position Details

THE ROLE

The Senior Program Adviser, Operational Child Safeguarding supports the functions of the Operational Child Safeguarding team in the implementation and ongoing administration of a range of child safeguarding mechanisms to promote the wellbeing and safety of children.





The position is part of a small team that is operationalising and administering a new intelligence function, drawing on, synthesising and assessing information from across the department related to subjects of allegations of abuse and neglect against children.

The Senior Program Adviser will gather information and undertake assessments on subjects of allegations and lead the development of detailed policy to guide the way in which this intelligence can inform future decision making.

This is an exciting role with a focus on contributing to a unique combination of policy and operational work to effect improvements in the way the department uses and shares intelligence to safeguard children. The role will require a motivated self-starter with strong problem-solving and analytical skills to support the Operational Child Safeguarding team. It will also involve leading sensitive work with key stakeholders and will require the ability to build, communicate with, and maintain sensitive relationships with key stakeholders.

****Please note: this position requires dealing with sensitive material that can be emotionally challenging. This role will best suit a candidate who has current experience dealing with sensitive and distressing material and is both resilient and empathetic.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE





- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders and senior staff and develop innovative strategies and methods which assist the Operational Child Safeguarding Team to deliver on key initiatives and facilitate the flow of information across both the department and with key external stakeholders.
- Prepares written responses using clear, concise and grammatically correct language. Edits written communications to ensure they contain the information necessary to achieve their purpose and meet audience needs. Ensures appropriate style and formats are used.
- Support the identification and reporting of high-risk matters or possible system-wide improvements stemming from compliance, risk assessment and learning and development activities.

Please open the position description to read more.

HOW TO APPLY

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 visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.

Job details Department: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Job Reference: VG/00783113
Location: Melbourne - CBD
Work Type: Fixed term - full time
Job Function: Projects
Classification: VPSG5
Salary Range: $116,413 - $140,849
Job Duration: Fixed term until: 30-JUN-2027
Date posted: 28-Sep-2026
Application Close Date: 12-Oct-2026
Attachments: (Word, 131KB)
Position Description

Contact:

Sophie Caruso

95005362 [email protected]

📌 Senior Program Adviser (Melbourne)
🏢 State Government Of Victoria
📍 Melbourne