Senior Investigator, Complex Investigations

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 Manager, Complex Investigations and working in a small and multi-disciplinary team of experienced investigators, the Senior Investigator, Complex Investigations leads and supports a range of investigative and enforcement activities across diverse and technically challenging subject areas regulated by the department.

Whilst being responsible for their own individual case load, the Senior Investigator also supports broader departmental and branch operations by providing high-quality, authoritative advice and practical assistance to others. This may include providing direct operational support and mentoring officers from other areas, contributing to broader capability-building initiatives and participation in other branch or departmental priorities and projects as required.

Investigations undertaken by the Senior Investigator are typically criminal in nature and may result in enforcement action up to and including prosecution. However, given the department's role as a regulator of duty holders, matters may involve or result in administrative outcomes such as the suspension, cancellation or variation of a licence, permit or other authority issued by the department.

Accordingly, the Senior Investigator is expected to identify and apply the relevant legislative framework, regulatory powers, decision-making principles, evidentiary threshold and standard of proof to each case in order to produce high-quality, defensible work and outcomes.

While centrally based, the Investigator is a statewide role and may be required to travel or work outside ordinary hours, including at short notice, where necessary to achieve operational objectives.

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:

Can you demonstrate the following?

• Receive, assess and respond to information, intelligence, reports, requests and referrals received by the team.
• Undertake investigations in both criminal and administrative law settings across the full breadth of legislation regulated by the department.
• Utilise a variety of powers and regulatory tools available under different legislative regimes to achieve compliance and enforcement objectives.
• Conduct interviews, collect statements and undertake other evidence gathering activities in accordance with legislation and policy.
• Produce and maintain high quality written records including, notes, forms, reports, briefs and other correspondence relating to activities undertaken or for processes such as courts and tribunals.
• Attend courts and/or tribunals to give evidence in support of proceedings (eg. prosecutions and reviews) and applications (eg. warrants).

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

One or more tertiary qualifications (or equivalent work experience) gained in highly desirable sectors such as:

• Investigations
• Law (Criminal and Administrative)
• Health (eg. Medicine, pharmacy, health sciences, veterinary science, nursing, paramedicine)
• Certificate IV in Government Investigations or higher/equivalent
• Current Victorian driver's license

Demonstrable experience or exposure in one or more of the following topics will be highly regarded:

• Digital Forensics
• Prosecutions
• Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003
• Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005
• Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981
• Health Services Act 1988
• Non-Emergency Patient Transport and First Aid Services Act 2003
• Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008
• Radiation Act 2005
• Safe Drinking Water Act 2003
• Tobacco Act 1987
• Therapeutic Goods (Victoria) Act 2010

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.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.