THE ROLE
The role will be co-located with the Disability Homes Victoria (DHV) branch and Legal Services Branch of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. DHV manages the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) portfolio on behalf of the department operating under the department's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) service provider registration. You will provide strategic legal advice to DHV and the department relating to the department's role as an NDIS provider. Your work will include developing and coordinating legal advice on a broad range of complex and significant regulatory and compliance issues with respect to DHV's service delivery under the NDIS standards, contractual matters relating to Supported Independent Living providers operating in the homes, residential agreements for residents and providing strategic advice on the NDIS audit process. Your work will also include advising and providing legal advice on consumer law issues, property law issues, statutory interpretation and administrative law matters. This role is suited to a commercially minded and impact driven individual focused on delivering good outcomes for residents.
Sitting within the Property team and reporting directly to the Head of Legal, Corporate, Construction and Property in the department's Legal Services branch, you will be required to provide strategic legal advice, support and representation to key stakeholders, including the Secretary to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, the Chief Executive Officer of Homes Victoria, the Executive Director of Disability Homes Victoria, other senior executives within the department and the relevant portfolio Ministers who are supported by the department. You will also prepare, and/or coordinate the preparation of, consumer agreements, property transaction agreements, other legal documents, Ministerial correspondence, Cabinet submissions, written reports and briefings, and take the lead on a range of projects. You will also work closely with the Legislation and Policy team to advise on the legal aspects in the development and implementation of complex legislative projects and subordinate instruments for the Housing portfolio. Your advice must be clear, accurate and appropriate to meeting the client's needs and a variety of potential audiences.
The Managing Principal Solicitor's role is key in providing leadership, management, support and mentorship to the solicitors in the Property team and other solicitors across the Legal Services Branch. As a Managing Principal Solicitor, the role will be required to allocate and supervise work where appropriate across legal teams in consultation with team managers. The role may also be required to actively support the co-management of the Property Team as needed.
ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE
1. Provide authoritative advice on complex legal and policy issues, and prepare high level briefings and correspondence reflecting a strong understanding of cross government legal policy considerations and the Department's operational and policy objectives.
2. Participate in strategic planning and contribute to strategic decision-making impacting on the operating environment of the department and Disability Homes Victoria in particular.
3. Provide advice and draft or settle documents in language that is clear, concise and suitable for a variety of audiences as required, which may include Ministers, senior executives, external stakeholders and Specialist Disability Accommodation residents and their families and supports.
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COVID-19 VACCINATION
The department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-19 vaccination status in accordance with current, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2023, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.