The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on
supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with
communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and
wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.
About the role:
Reporting to the Managing Principal Solicitor, Litigation, the Solicitor will support the Litigation team within the Legal and Governance Branch. The Solicitor will provide timely legal advice and support across a range of areas within the Health portfolios, which may be the subject of significant disputes, claims or litigation. As a Solicitor in the Litigation team your advice must be clear, accurate and proactive in managing risks. Under supervision, you will also be required to engage and oversee external legal firms in meeting the needs of departmental clients.
The Litigation team's two work streams are general litigation and prosecutions and inquiries, with this role sitting within the ‘general litigation' stream. The work of the team includes claims for compensation, prosecution of regulatory offences and historical institutional abuse claims, taking place across a range of courts and tribunals and engaging with high-sensitive subject matter. The Litigation team plays a key strategic role within the Department of Health and the Victorian State Government more broadly.
Please view position description for further information about the role.
About us:
At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.
We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.
About you:
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Assists in preparation of litigated matters in a range of courts and tribunals, including tasks such as instructing external law firms and counsel, assessing evidence, and preparing draft documents.
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Liaises with external stakeholders including barristers, court/tribunal staff, other government departments and agencies and professional bodies in relation to litigation and a wide range of legal and policy issues.
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Prepares briefing materials, court documents and correspondence that require fewer revisions over time.
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Shares information with other areas of the department to support continuous improvement, system learning and effective monitoring and coordination of departmental priorities and obligations.
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Draft and develop material including the preparation of Cabinet and Cabinet related material, Ministerial and Secretary briefings and meeting papers, agendas, minutes and reports.
Qualification/Specialist Expertise
What we offer:
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The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
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A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
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A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.
How to apply:
Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.
We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at
[email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.
If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email
[email protected]. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.
