Senior Policy & Projects Officer
Location - Parramatta
Employment type – Ongoing full-time role
Salary - $129,464.00 - $142,665.00 pa, plus superannuation and leave loading
Your role
We are seeking a self-motivated, enthusiastic and collaborative Senior Policy and Projects Officer to join the Diversion Team in the Justice Programs Branch, within the Women, Family and Community Safety Directorate.
This is a permanent, full-time, ongoing role reporting to the Manager, Diversion Team.
Please note that this recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool and fill other similar roles that become available in the future.
What you’ll do
This role will support the Diversion team to develop and deliver policy, programs and projects that improve diversionary and therapeutic responses for people with complex needs in contact with the criminal justice system.
Our team currently manages two diversionary programs:
- MERIT, a court-based diversion program for adults facing charges in the Local Court who have issues related to their alcohol and other drug use; and
- the Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) for people with a cognitive impairment who come into contact with the NSW criminal justice system.
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the management, evaluation and development of diversionary programs for people in contact with the criminal justice system
- Leading policy projects related to the experiences of people with complex needs in contact with the criminal justice system and appropriate system and program responses.
- Managing governance forums and undertaking wider stakeholder communication and engagement to support program implementation and enhancement and collaborative problem-solving.
- Managing program reporting, evaluation activities, and other performance and outcome updates to internal and external stakeholders.
- Support the development and implementation of special projects to improve program delivery and reach to target cohorts including women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants.
- Supporting and coaching junior members of the team with their tasks and deliverables.
This role currently focuses on supporting the MERIT program. MERIT is delivered in partnership with NSW Health and provides eligible defendants in the Local Court with access to alcohol and other drugs treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for organised, self-motivated and collaborative candidates who can demonstrate:
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and an ability to deliver clear and succinct written advice.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and a commitment to developing collaborative working relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong project management skills, with demonstrated experience in successfully managing multiple, competing priorities, and delivering complex and sensitive projects on time.
- Commitment to reflective practice and ongoing professional development.
Desirable but not essential skills and experience:
- Experience working on criminal justice policy projects/programs.
Download the role description.
To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button.
We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.
What We Offer
We offer a variety of benefits, including:
- A challenging and rewarding career
- Flexible, autonomous work environment
- Competitive pay and conditions
- Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
- Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.
Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.
We do work that really matters
Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.
Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!
Are you ready to join us?
Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).
Applications close Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at 11:59 pm AEST.
Got a question?
For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Nicky Beland via email at: [email protected]
If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Anjy Fayad on 02 9765 3042 or via [email protected]
Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.
Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit
We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.
To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.
Other Information
A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.
For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/
The Welcome Experience
Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.
