Contact: Gill Montgomery
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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.
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
QARD is also the integrated sector regulator of the Child Safe Standards for all early childhood services in Victoria.
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 Manager, Investigations.
The Investigations Unit is 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 in 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.
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.
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
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.
Applications close
11:59pm on 27/11/2024.
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