Description:
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 Manager, Complex Investigations and working collaboratively in a small team of experienced investigators, the Senior Investigator, Complex Investigations is responsible for leading various investigative and enforcement activities across the department's broad and technically challenging areas of regulatory responsibility.
Whilst being responsible for their own individual case load, the Senior Investigator also supports broader departmental and branch operations by providing high quality and authoritative advice or assistance to others. This may include providing direct operational support or educational opportunities to officers from other areas within the department.
Investigations undertaken by the Senior Investigator are typically criminal in nature and may result in enforcement activity up to and including prosecution. However, as a regulator of duty holders, investigations may instead focus on or result in administrative outcomes such as the suspension, cancelation or variation of a license, permit or other authority issued by the department. Accordingly, the Senior Investigator is expected to be able identify and work to the relevant standard of proof and legislation or principles applicable to the case. In either case, the Senior Investigator is expected to adapt and apply their existing experience in conducting investigations, using regulatory tools and powers, and carrying out enforcement actions in order to produce high quality and defensible work and outcomes.
Whilst centrally based, the Senior Investigator is a statewide role and may be required to undertake travel or work abnormal hours where required to achieve operational objectives.
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:
We are looking for someone who can:
- Receive, assess and respond to information, intelligence, reports, requests and referrals received by the team.
- Undertake investigations in both criminal and administrative law settings across the full breadth of legislation regulated by the department.
- Utilise a variety of powers and regulatory tools available under different legislative regimes to achieve compliance and enforcement objectives.
- Conduct interviews, collect statements and undertake other evidence gathering activities in accordance with legislation and policy.
- Produce and maintain high quality written records including, notes, forms, reports, briefs and other correspondence relating to activities undertaken or for processes such as courts and tribunals.
- Attend courts and/or tribunals to give evidence in support of proceedings (eg. Prosecutions and reviews) and applications (eg. warrants).
- Respond to queries and provide education to both and external stakeholders regarding compliance and enforcement principles, processes and options as well as the role of the team, branch and department in regulating the law.
- Liaise and collaborate on compliance and enforcement matters with other officers and areas within the department as well as external stakeholders such as duty holders and co-regulators/law enforcement.
Qualifications
One or more tertiary qualifications (or equivalent work experience) gained in highly desirable sectors such as: Investigations, Law and Health (eg. Medicine, pharmacy, health sciences, veterinary science, nursing, paramedicine).
Please refer to the position description for further specialist expertise requirements.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
- A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
- 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 inclusion@health.vic.gov.au . For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health .
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 . If you have any queries in relation to the application or recruitment processes, please email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au .