Legal Officer

Who are we:

Our department’s primary objective is the delivery of homes and housing options for South Australians. In response to the national housing crisis, we are committed to accelerating the build of a diverse range of housing options. We strive to find solutions to the urgent demand for housing security. Our mission focuses on coordinating various portfolios related to housing, housing infrastructure, urban development, and planning. By ensuring sound decisions and efficient management, we strive to create sustainable, well-planned communities offering safe and affordable housing options.

Join us in our endeavour to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time and make a tangible difference in the lives of our community.

The Role (12 months contract):

The Legal Officer is accountable to the Chief Legal Officer and responsible for the provision of high quality and responsive strategic advice to DHUD on legal, policy and legislative reform issues. The Legal Officer will be required to contribute to the day-to-day delivery of effective and efficient legal services across DHUD and contribute to the appropriate governance and associated advisory services in DHUD. You will hold the following responsibilities:

Provide high-quality advice and support on legal and policy matters associated with the performance of the Department’s functions and the administration of the Department’s legislative portfolio.

Identify legal issues and risk and prepare instructions to obtain expert legal advice from the Crown Solicitor’s Office as required.

Develop and maintain constructive relationships with DHUD agencies, and stakeholders, including public sector leaders.

Assist with the development and review of legal policies, procedures and templates and the delivery of internal training on legal and policy matters.

About You:

To be successful in this position, you must be able to demonstrate experience across the following key capabilities:

Experience in the identification and assessment of complex legal issues under limited supervision and direction.

Experience interpreting and applying legislation, policies and guidelines to complex situations and formulating practical solutions and appropriate recommendations.

Experience providing advice to government agencies on legal issues and risk mitigation and using high levels of initiative and judgement to consult with senior staff when required.

Ability to prioritise competing workloads and work to tight deadlines while displaying sound judgement and reliability.

Desirable Qualification:

A degree in law and admitted, or eligible for admission as a practitioner of the Supreme Court of South Australia.

Holds, or is eligible to hold, a Practicing Certificate in South Australia.

At least 3 years post admission legal experience.

Special Conditions

Successful applicants may be required to obtain a satisfactory Department of Human Services Criminal History Check or National Police Check prior to employment. A renewal will be required every 3 years.

Remuneration:

LE3 -  $112,715 min - $120,823 max plus superannuation.

LE4 – $138,016 min – $149,885 max plus superannuation.

Enquiries:

For all confidential enquiries, please contact Hannah Szakacs Chief Legal Officer, at hannah.szakacs@sa.gov.au or telephone 087085535.

Application Instructions:

All applications must be submitted online.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a covering letter (no more than 2 pages), outlining your skills and experience in relation to the key capabilities outlined in the role statement, a current CV and the contact information of three referees including your current line manager.

All applicants must complete a ‘Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector’ form.