Senior Investigations Officer

About the Department The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives.
It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.
The department supports a culture of leadership, learning and renewal in all workplaces with opportunities for career development and advancement.
Further information about the department is available at: www.vic.gov.au/education About the Division The Department of Education is the Victorian Regulatory Authority for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services under delegation from the Secretary.
The Quality Assessment and Regulation Division (QARD) in the department regulates and quality assesses Victorian ECEC services.
It drives the delivery of high-quality services and ensures the safety, health and wellbeing of Victorian children attending those services.
QARD regulates approximately 5,000 services including family day care, outside school hours care, long day care and kindergarten programs, as required by the Education and Care Services National Law 2010 (National Law).
QARD also regulates around 180 services operating under the Victorian Children's Services Act 1996 (Children's Services Act); these include occasional care and limited hours services.
QARD is responsible for: * approving providers and services as required by the National Law and Children's Services Act * monitoring service compliance and conducting investigations in response to notifications and complaints * assessment and rating of family day care, outside school hours care, long day care and kindergarten programs against the National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and School Age Care * supporting legislative policy development.
QARD is also the integrated sector regulator of the Child Safe Standards for all early childhood services in Victoria.
Further information about QARD is available at: www.vic.gov.au/role-quality-assessment-and-regulation-division About the Role The Senior Investigation Officer role, supervised by the Manager Investigations, will involve: * conducting investigations into complex or serious incidents or complaints and preparing and analysing evidence to recommend appropriate enforcement action(s) * planning for operational investigative work such as surveillance and evidence gathering for search warrants, preparing court documentation in relation to search warrants and briefs of evidence * providing expert advice and support to regional staff in relation to investigations, interviewing of children, sanctions and other compliance matters * quality assurance reviews of investigations as well as assisting others in their investigations to ensure they properly address the scope of the investigation and that they comply with professional standards and protocols * preparing and submitting reports and evidence to enable decision making of appropriate sanctions * researching and identifying emerging issues, risks and trends impacting on the regulation of early childhood education and care services.
This is a full time, fixed term VPS5 position reporting to the Manger, Investigations.
The Investigations Unit based in the QARD central office at 200 Victoria Parade East Melbourne, 3002 and will also work across metropolitan and regional areas of the State, which will require frequent travel and occasional overnight stays.
Attributes To be successful in this role, you will have: * Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory theory and practice (or ability to acquire) * Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education and care theory and practice (or ability to acquire) * Demonstrated experience in operational investigations which may include: surveillance work, interviewing key persons, interviewing of children, preparing briefs of evidence and executing search warrants or existing knowledge of the process * Awareness of the Child Safe Standards * Ability to investigate alleged contraventions of legislation including planning and recommending actions throughout the life of an investigation (including collecting evidence, having case discussions, conducting witness interviews, and writing reports) * High level interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders (internal and external) to provide information and advice to enable them to make informed decisions when exercising their rights or fulfilling obligations according to legislation * Ability to identify, gather and analyse evidence and information in a court-admissible manner * Strong conceptual and analytical skills, including an ability to interpret legislation, standards, guidelines and practices to ensure effective regulation of the Early Childhood and Community Engagement sector * Strong planning and organising skills, including an ability to establish systems and procedures to guide investigation work and track progress * Ability to lead and motivate others.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience Desirable: Relevant tertiary qualification Regulatory Theory, Investigations or Compliance Desirable: Cert IV or Diploma in Government Investigations or equivalent Essential: Successful applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children's Check and Victorian driver's licence.
Further Information Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role.
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Gill Montgomery, Manager, Investigations Unit via (03) 7022 0191 or ****** Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks.
Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on 27/11/2024.