Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $97,955 - $111,142
Grade: VPS 4
Occupation: Other
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/CSO/00722687
Please note that this opportunity is only available to existing Departmental staff at your substantive classification level.
About the role:
This position is a Fixed-Term, Full-time role from 1 June 2026 until 29 January 2027.
This position plays an important role reducing the likelihood of harm caused by scheduled medicines and poisons. The position is located in a small team of officers authorised under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 and the Therapeutic Goods (Victoria) Act 2010. The team focuses on compliance and investigations related to the un-lawful possession, storage, record keeping, labelling, use, prescribing and supply of scheduled medicines.
The Medicines and Poisons (Practitioners) team is responsible for responding to suspected non-compliance with legislation regulating scheduled substances. It achieves this through the proactive monitoring of Victoria's real-time prescription monitoring system (SafeScript), inspecting premises authorised to purchase, possess, supply or use scheduled substances and by responding to notifications and referrals from the public, other agencies, and practitioners.
Interventions by the team range from education in low impact or administrative matters to enforcement activities up to and including criminal prosecution for serious, intentional or recidivist contraventions of the law. In many instances, the team co-operates with co-regulators such as the Victorian Pharmacy Authority, Ahpra, Veterinary Practitioners Board and Victoria Police to achieve its overarching goal of ensuring the safe and lawful prescribing and supply of scheduled substances.
In carrying out its functions, the team prioritises the investigation and disruption of conduct which poses a serious risk of harm to the health or safety of the public. Where able, it undertakes other activities designed to improve compliance standards generally including the delivery of education programs, contributing to publications, responding to enquiries, collaborating with other jurisdictions and executing targeted compliance operations focussing on emerging areas of concern.
The team is located within the Health Regulator Branch and, as a key member of that team, you will be required to work with other team members as well as other teams across the Health Regulator on a range of regulatory and investigative matters to enable the Department to meet its regulatory obligations and to provide oversight for the safety and quality of various sectors.
Please view position description for further information about the role.
About us:
At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.
We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.
About you:
The Department of Health is seeking a highly capable Compliance Officer to support regulatory and operational compliance across key programs. This role requires a proactive and analytical professional who can manage complex issues, engage effectively with stakeholders, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, includ ing gathering and analysing relevant information from multiple sources, consulting with stakeholders, and assessing issues from diverse perspectives. You will be expected to develop practical solutions, implement actions, and monitor outcomes to ensure effectiveness, making adjustments where required.
Exceptional written communication skills are essential. You will prepare clear, concise, and well-structured briefs, correspondence, and reports tailored to a range of audiences. Attention to detail and the ability to edit content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness of tone and format are critical.
Equally important are your verbal communication skills. You will confidently present ideas and information in a clear and engaging manner, adapting your approach to suit different audiences and objectives. You will be comfortable managing sensitive or complex conversations and using feedback to refine your messaging and ensure mutual understanding.
The role also requires strong influence and negotiation capabilities. You will build support for initiatives, gain agreement to proposals, and work collaboratively to achieve outcomes. This includes leveraging networks, engaging subject matter experts, and using indirect influence strategies to foster alignment and ownership across stakeholders.
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports public health outcomes while developing your professional expertise in a dynamic environment.
Mandatory
A Certificate IV in Government Investigations, or similar qualification is highly desirable
Additional tertiary qualification in a relevant field (regulation, law, or Ahpra registered health professional) would be highly regarded.
Additional Requirements:An understanding of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981, its Regulations or, alternatively, similar legislation and ability to quickly obtain a relevant understanding.
Experience in regulatory and public policy work as well as knowledge of relevant government legislation.
On a personal level, the candidate will be adaptable and open to change, with strong conceptual and analytical thinking, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to identify gaps and practical considerations. They will also excel at building and maintaining trusted relationships across all levels, using diplomacy and sound judgement to foster collaboration, manage differing perspectives, and achieve positive outcomes.
What we offer:
How to apply:
Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. 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 mo tivated 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 at [email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.
If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email [email protected]. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.
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