Senior Research Officer

Overview The Department of Justice and Community Safety (Youth Justice) is responsible for the statutory supervision of children and young people in contact with the criminal justice system in Victoria focusing on prevention, diversion, and early intervention as the most effective and fiscally responsible ways of reducing youth crime. As an area within the department, Youth Justice is always committed to demonstrating the departmental values; serve the community, work together, act with integrity, respect other people and make it happen. Responsibilities Support the development, review, and implementation of departmental research and evaluation priorities, strategies, and frameworks. Play a critical role in strengthening evidence‑informed decision‑making across Youth Justice. Fixed‑term, full‑time position based in Melbourne, but with regional travel between Melbourne CBD office locations, custodial precincts, community Youth Justice offices and other stakeholder services as required. Responsible for reviewing, coordinating and providing advice on research and evaluation projects, supporting best‑practice research governance, while contributing to the development and implementation of strategic research priorities, frameworks and that inform policy and program development. Manage relationships and contracts with external research providers to ensure delivery of high‑quality outputs that meet departmental needs and standards. Provide expert advice, tools, and resources to staff on research design, evaluation methodologies, ethical practice and evidence use. Organise and support internal and external research governance committees or working groups, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, documenting outcomes, and monitoring follow‑up actions. Produce high‑quality research reports and evaluation in collaboration and independently in the area of Youth Justice. Active communication and dissemination of research internally and externally where appropriate, including publication and presentation at conferences. Qualifications Experience in managing or coordinating applied research or evaluation projects in a policy or service delivery context. Experience in or detailed knowledge of applying research governance principles, including ethical review processes and data management. Demonstrated experience in translating research into practice. Demonstrated experience working within Youth Justice, or similar complex, high‑risk environment. A tertiary qualification in a research, evaluation, psychology, health science, criminal justice or related discipline is essential. Ability to obtain and maintain a Working with Children Check. Compensation VPS Grade 5 role: $113,022 - $136,747 per year plus superannuation. Benefits Job stability – position as a member of the Victorian Public Service (VPS). A fair salary – enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options. Transparent performance framework – approach your work with confidence in how you’re tracking, working to professional development plans agreed on by you and your manager. Generous leave entitlements – provisions for many forms of leave; including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate, and sick leave. Employee Assistance Program support – you are encouraged to use this short‑term, confidential counselling service if you’re experiencing emotional stress, relationship problems, conflict with others or personal issues. It is also available for financial counselling and retirement planning. Important Information The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people’s rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child‑safe and child‑friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work. How to Apply Applications close 11.59pm, Thursday 18th December 2025. Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats. The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre‑employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening. If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad. Contact Liam Shaw – or Equal Opportunity Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process. For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made. We want to make sure all Victorians feel represented by the department’s work. One of the ways we do this is by recruiting a diverse workforce – we welcome people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability and cultural background. We are also committed to the Victorian Government’s promise to increase the number of veterans working in the public sector. We’re proud of our individual differences. We’re proud of the many languages we speak and the stories we can share with each other. We hope you will share your story too. Application Instruction To apply, press the Apply button below and submit a resume and cover letter. Please ensure your documents are in one of the accepted formats (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt, .rtf). All submissions will be securely reviewed by the recruitment team. #J-18808-Ljbffr