As a Senior Policy Advisor in the Child Safety Unit you will work as part of a team to support schools and corporate business areas with guidance and training to create a culture of child safety and to meet the Child Safe Standards. We are currently hiring for two full-time, fixed-term positions: one concluding on 25 June 2027 and the other on 19 December 2026.
About the Department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.
About the Division
Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division (WHED)
WHED leads the department's efforts to support student wellbeing, health, engagement and inclusion. This includes supporting:
-
schools to create and uphold safe, inclusive and equitable school environments and prevent and respond to family violence and child abuse
-
student health, including promoting physical activity and healthy eating, enabling access to health services and supporting students with health conditions
-
student mental health and wellbeing, including positive mental health promotion and building mental health capability, through delivery of school mental health reforms
-
student engagement with school, including promoting attendance and providing targeted support for vulnerable and disengaged students.
Family Violence and Child Safety Branch
The Family Violence and Child Safety Branch leads the department's work on family violence prevention and response in schools, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, prevention of child abuse, bullying prevention and response and supporting wellbeing workforces in the education system. Key responsibilities and functions include:
-
Supporting schools and corporate business areas with guidance and training to create a culture of child safety and to meet the Child Safe Standards
-
Administering the National Student Wellbeing Program and Special Religious Instruction
-
Supporting schools through the Safe Schools program to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTIQA+ students
-
Leading the anti-bullying policy and supporting students to be safe online
-
Leading implementation of the Respectful Relationships initiative in schools and early childhood settings to create a culture of gender equality and respect
-
Leading implementation of the information sharing and family violence reforms across education, including building capacity across the department and engagement with whole of government family violence reform agenda.
About the Role
Two fixed term Senior Policy Adviser roles are available to support schools and the department to create child safe environments where all children feel safe and are safe. One role is available for 12 months (to 27 June 2027), and the other role is available for approximately.
The Senior Policy Advisor leads the shaping of departmental policies. This involves leading strategic policy projects at every stage of the policy cycle. This includes research, analysis, development of policy options and the preparation of advice for decision makers.
There are 2 full-time fixed term opportunities. one until 25 June 2027 and another until 19 December 2026.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Desirable: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline, such as public policy, project management or education.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Ab original and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact
Grace Mountford - Manager, Child Safety via
(03) 7022 2055 [email protected]
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on 7 July 2026
