Policy Advisor

This is a fixed term (12-month) opportunity.

The Social Services Regulator is committed to strengthening protections and rights of vulnerable Victorians accessing social services.

The Social Services Regulator is a statutory authority that was established under the Social Services Regulations Act 2021 (the Act). The Act gives effect to a comprehensive new regulatory scheme that aims to keep Victoria’s social service users safe from harms such as abuse and neglect.

The purpose of the scheme is to:
• support the safe delivery of social services
• embed a new set of Social Service standards for all service providers
• ensure service providers understand their role in protecting the rights of social service users
• define roles and responsibilities of service providers
• give the Regulator monitoring and enforcement powers to respond to risks of harm
• improve information sharing between regulators so they can identify and respond to risks of harm
• replace the framework previously overseen by the Human Services Regulator.

The scheme applies to prescribed services set out in the Social Services Regulations 2023 (Regulations). They include:
• Child protection services
• Community based child and family services
• Disability services
• Family violence services
• Homelessness services
• Out of home care services
• Secure welfare services
• Sexual assault services
• Supported residential services.

THE ROLE

As the Policy Adviser, you will be part of a team that is responsible for legislative requirements and issues relating to the registration of organisations registered and regulated under the Social Services Regulation Act 2021 .

You will be responsible for developing and delivering guidance, support and education, to build capacity and regulatory understanding in the regulated sectors. You will also have responsibility for providing policy advice and guidance internally, and for the implementation of initiatives to improve the monitoring of funded and regulated organisations to ensure they meet the required standards.

Building stakeholder relationships is a key activity with the aim of strengthening regulation and improving outcomes for Victorians accessing in scope services.

We are looking for someone who is:

• looking to work as part of an energetic team with a primary focus being able to identify, report and provide guidance on emerging trends, issues and risks for regulated services
• interested in working in an effective, risk-based, intelligence led regulatory environment
• able to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders and operate with integrity and professionalism
• an excellent communicator with strong verbal and written skills to convey complex concepts
• reliable, organised, flexible and detail focused.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Plan, implement and manage a range of initiatives that improve the regulation of in-scope entities to ensure they meet required standards to successfully deliver services which respond to the needs of vulnerable Victorians.
• Develop and implement a broad range of sector learning and development initiatives, including guidance, communication and training, which promote compliance and improvements within the regulated sectors.
• Produce, review and communicate a range of high quality resources for use by the regulated sectors.
• Monitor and report on high priority issues, risks and trends relating to the registration of regulated entities, preparing and presenting comprehensive reports, briefings, cabinet and agency submissions on complex project and operational issues.
• Provide expertise, advice, reasoned recommendations on complex registration related matters.

Please open the position description to read more.