Key Responsibilities & Operational Scope

The core responsibilities and primary duties for this position within Department of Social Services include:

• provide high-quality, timely and practical legal advice on complex legal, policy and operational matters, ensuring advice is legally sound, risk-based and supports departmental objectives and legislative obligations
• manage a diverse caseload of legal matters, applying sound judgement to identify legal risks, develop practical solutions and deliver outcomes within competing priorities and required timeframes
• draft, review and contribute to legal and governance documents, including legal advice, briefs, submissions, agreements, correspondence, policies, decision records and guidance materials
• work collaboratively with stakeholders to interpret and apply legislation, manage legal risks, resolve issues and support informed decision-making across the department
• assist with the management of litigation, dispute resolution, employment law, information law, commercial law, administrative law and regulatory matters, including engagement with external legal providers where required
• contribute to the development, implementation and improvement of legal frameworks, governance arrangements, policies, procedures, training materials and strategic initiatives
• develop and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support effective legal service delivery and management of complex and sensitive issues
• promote a positive team culture through collaboration, knowledge sharing, professional development and a commitment to the APS Values, Code of Conduct and departmental objectives.
• Please review the job pack for the full position description.
• edward.salib@dss.gov.au

Mandatory Eligibility & Security Clearance

Applicants must satisfy the following statutory and organizational requirements:

• Citizenship: Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, candidates must generally be Australian citizens to be eligible for engagement.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) security clearance (Baseline, Negative Vetting 1, or Negative Vetting 2 as required by the agency).
• Probationary Period: Employment may be subject to a probationary period, character checks, and pre-engagement screening.
• RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability. This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999. Similar conditions may apply when employed under other Acts. For clarification please contact the advertising agency.

Working Arrangements & Public Sector Benefits

Work Model: Hybrid. Details: Hybid.

Australian Public Service positions provide comprehensive Commonwealth benefits including a standard 15.4% employer superannuation contribution, attractive leave provisions, and structured career progression pathways across the Australian Public Service.