Job type: Full time / 1 x Ongoing, 1 x Fixed term to 11/04/2025
Organisation: Department of Health
Reference: VG/1818368
The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We're focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It's all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.
About the role: Reporting to the Specialist Privacy Lead, the Senior Solicitor works within the Privacy Team which plays a central role in supporting the department to protect clients' privacy and support the sharing of information to help make Victorian health care safer and better for all patients.
The Senior Solicitor will support the Specialist Privacy Lead to provide expert policy and legal advice to Ministers, the Secretary, the Department of Health and relevant Administrative Offices on a range of privacy and information sharing issues. It will also provide oversight of the management of privacy breaches in operational divisions, identify and monitor emerging privacy related risks and provide privacy specific training to departmental staff.
The successful applicant will have experience in providing legal and policy advice in relation to compliance with privacy laws and regulations including the conduct of Privacy Impact Assessments.
How you'll make a difference: Provide authoritative advice on legal and policy issues and prepare briefings and correspondence reflecting a high level of knowledge, expertise and risk analysis.Make decisions that establish precedents.Lead and drive effective liaison with barristers, court/tribunal staff, other government departments and agencies, and professional bodies in relation to a wide range of complex legal issues.Manage cross-functional delivery of departmental policies and services impacted by sensitive and complex issues.Effectively identify and report high risk matters or possible system-wide improvements stemming from privacy breaches.Maintain a good understanding of privacy and information sharing issues impacting health service sectors, as well as Commonwealth and State legislative and policy directions. Proactively identify opportunities and manage risk.Provide mentoring and professional development support and advice to less experienced solicitors and paralegal staff.Identify service improvement opportunities and work collaboratively in the development of continuous improvement systems and processes.Proactively share information with other areas of the department to support continuous improvement, system learning and effective monitoring and coordination of departmental priorities and obligations.Suitable applicants will be able to demonstrate: The successful candidate must hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.Experience advising in relation to the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) and drafting privacy impact assessments in relation to technology-based agile project management will be highly regarded.What we offer: The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.How to apply: Applications should include: a resume and a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages). Click the 'Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.
We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians.
All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks including proof of 3 vaccinations (including booster) against COVID-19. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence, in line with our Privacy Policy.
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