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:
The Senior Solicitor will primarily provide advice to and support the Health Regulator, which is the main regulatory oversight branch of the Department of Health. Key responsibilities of the Senior Solicitor role include preparing accurate and timely advice relating to the exercise of statutory powers, as well as the conduct of prosecutions and regulatory proceedings.
To achieve the role's objectives, the Senior Solicitor will be required to prepare high-quality written material (such as briefs, memorandums and correspondence), effectively work with stakeholders including Health Regulator investigators, external legal services and court and tribunal staff, as well as instruct or appear in litigated proceedings as required.
The Senior Solicitor will also assist the team in responding to inquiries relating to and from bodies including the Victorian Ombudsman, the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner and any relevant Royal Commission. From time to time, the role will also support the broader team to respond to coronial inquests.
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:
Can you demonstrate the following?
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Lead the conduct of regulatory prosecutions on behalf of the Department from start to finish, including preparing complex briefs of evidence (drafting of witness statements, court documents, evidentiary certificates and submissions).
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Provide accurate, authoritative and timely advice to clients, including the Health Regulator, on the exercise of statutory powers and functions, including on the conduct of compliance and enforcement action.
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Lead and drive effective liaison with external legal services and counsel, court/tribunal staff, other government departments and agencies, and professional bodies in the context of complex legal issues.
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Provide mentoring and professional development support and advice to less experienced solicitors and paralegal staff.
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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.
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Prepare high-quality written material including advice, memoranda and briefs to counsel.
Qualifications / Specialist Expertise
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The successful candidate must hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law 2014.
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Minimum of 5 years' post admission experience and the below skillset is preferable: Experience in complex or sensitive multi-party litigation, prosecutions, regulatory enforcement action, judicial review and/or regulatory proceedings.
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A strong background in Government Law and the provision of legal and policy advice to government, including strong statutory interpretation skills and administrative law experience.
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A background in prosecutions and regulatory enforcement action
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 commitmen t 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.
