VCAT Head of Division - Human Rights Division

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is a tribunal that provides fair, efficient and affordable justice for the Victorian community.

VCAT serves the community by resolving civil and administrative disputes and making decisions in human rights and guardianship cases. VCAT services a diverse range of Victorian disputes, from residential tenancy matters to complex building and property and human rights matters, which have a deep reach into the Victorian community and a direct impact on the economy, in particular in planning, property, health and small business.

The Head of Division is appointed as a non-sessional Deputy President who provides continuous service to the Tribunal and receives remuneration in accordance with the Order in Council.

A practitioner with significant leadership capabilities and professional experience in litigation and complex case management is required to undertake the Head of Division role. In particular, the following experience is sought: experience in human rights issues, the law affecting people with disability, the law relating to guardianship and powers of attorney and related matters, experience managing litigation and merits review relevant to the work of the human rights list.

The key responsibilities of the Head of Human Rights Division are:

• Provide leadership to the Division and Heads and Deputy Heads of Lists and Members sitting within the Division by hearing cases including the more complex cases and writing decisions
• Provide strategic and operational guidance and assistance to Heads of Lists/Deputy Heads of Lists, Members and potential users of the lists to understand significant legal and procedural issues
• Effectively manage Heads of Lists/Deputy Heads of Lists and Members, act as a mentor, encouraging professional growth and monitoring complaints, providing regular reports to the President
• Initiate and support innovation and continuous improvement for the Division and across the lists by effectively sharing and managing knowledge transfer
• Actively manage the conduct, behaviour, performance and member complaints in alignment with the Framework of Judicial Abilities and Qualities for Victorian Judicial Officers
• Model and encourage productive and collaborative relationships in the work of the Division and the Tribunal
• Manage Members’ leave and leave requests to ensure they meet operational needs
• Enable and encourage a productive exchange of information and views with external stakeholders to improve the service the Division provides to the community

Expressions of interest are sought from suitably qualified candidates with demonstrated legal practice experience in human rights issues and/or the law affecting people with disability, guardianship, powers of attorney and related matters and/or managing litigation and merits review relevant to the work of the Division. The position requires demonstration of the following:

• Leadership and management capabilities of high order
• Management and decision making in solving complex cases
• Encouragement and facilitation of teamwork
• High level of integrity, sound judgment, legal or professional skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to influence others towards a desired way of thinking or course of action.

VCAT encourages applications from candidates across all diversity and priority areas, including applications from regional areas.

The Head of Division will be a Deputy President and the salary is $379,931 (inclusive of superannuation).

Applicants must also be aware of and sensitive to, the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences of VCAT users, with a demonstrated capability to communicate effectively and courteously. Effective use of technology and confident presentation skills are essential. Mediation skills will be highly regarded.

We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQA+ people. We will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQA+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less. If you identify as any of the aforementioned, we would welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.

All expressions of interest are treated confidentially and may be drawn upon on an ongoing basis as vacancies arise. An independent panel will assess all applications and will interview a short-list of candidates.

All expressions of interest must be received by 11:59 on Wednesday 27 September 2023.

If you have any queries, please contact Pronoma Mukherjee, HR Business Partner for Member, Email: Pronoma.Mukherjee@courts.vic.gov.au, M: 0476 758 932.