- Shape adoption policy and practice across Victoria.
- Lead a team tackling complex and important issues.
- Help improve adoption services for children and families.
- Use your legal, policy and leadership skills to make a difference.
- Ongoing, full-time role earning $142,790 - $191,087 per year, plus super.

About us

Adoption Services Victoria is part of the Civil and Enforcement Services Group of the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

Adoption Services Victoria delivers all services under the Adoption Act 1984, including counselling to people considering placing a child for adoption, assessing people to be approved to adopt a child from Victoria or overseas, and providing records to people who have been affected by past adoptions.

What you will do

As senior advisor – adoption practice and reform, you will lead the practice and reform team.

You will guide policy, law reform and projects that support adoption services across Victoria.

You will:

- lead complex policy work and prepare explicit advice, briefings and reports for senior leaders and government
- guide law reform by developing policy proposals and plans for changes to adoption laws
- manage sensitive complaints, correspondence and responses to oversight bodies, including the Victorian Ombudsman
- lead responses to reviews and inquiries, track progress and help put recommendations into action
- support and develop your team, build strong working relationships and guide legal matters linked to adoption.

About you

A degree in law, policy development or a related field is highly desirable.

You should also have:

- experience leading a team and delivering projects on time to a high standard
- strong policy skills, including research and advice on complex issues
- knowledge of government decision-making, Cabinet and Parliament




- an understanding of adoption laws and services, along with strong writing and problem-solving skills.
- You can handle sensitive issues and explain complex matters in clear language. You can work well with people from different backgrounds. You can lead a team, support their growth and find solutions to complex problems.

To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Cathy Millon 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 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.

📌 Senior Advisor, Adoption Practice and Reform (Melbourne)
🏢 Department Of Justice And Community Safety
📍 Melbourne