POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title:

Directorate: Advocacy & Briefing

Classification: VPS Grade 5

Reports to: Directorate Manager

THE ORGANISATION

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is an independent statutory authority responsible for preparing and conducting criminal prosecutions in Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Matters prosecuted by the DPP and the OPP involve serious crimes or matters that are of significance to the fair and effective operation of the Victorian criminal justice system.

Our vision

To make a difference in the justice system and the wider community.

Our purpose

To provide an independent prosecution service to the people of Victoria

Our Goals

• To deliver quality prosecution services • To achieve just outcomes effectively, economically and efficiently • To enhance our responsiveness to victims of crime • To influence policy and law reform • To deliver our goals through strong governance and professional capability Our Values

• Act fairly • Act with integrity • Respect others • Work together • Strive for excellence

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

The OPP consists of the Solicitor for Public Prosecutions and a staff of approximately 300 providing legal and corporate support to the DPP, the Chief Crown Prosecutor and Crown Prosecutors in the exercise of their independent roles in the criminal justice system. The Solicitor for Public Prosecutions role is strongly focused on leading and driving change in the OPP and contributing to change across the criminal justice system. The OPP is building an organisation that is well placed to adapt to the changing criminal justice environment and to lead and influence the criminal justice landscape. This involves the implementation of changed practices across the OPP for prosecutorial, administrative and financial processes.

The position of Senior operates in a context of significant organisational change within a wider external environment of major and ongoing change to the criminal justice system. The OPP takes a pro-active, innovative approach to advocacy. The Advocacy & Briefing Directorate enhances in-house advocacy services and provides a career path for OPP .

PURPOSE OF POSITION

This particular position is designed to attract solicitors who are experienced in both the Magistrate and County Court criminal jurisdictions. The incumbent’s core work will involve appearing in a wide range of hearings predominantly in the Magistrates’ and County courts as per the OPP Advocacy Competency Framework. The position offers the opportunity for the exercise of previously acquired legal practice skills as well as resolution skills. This position will involve the incumbent appearing in court for 80% of their available time. The successful applicant will be required to provide ongoing data demonstrating that appearance targets are being met.

The incumbent of this position will be provided with advocacy training and assessed against key advocacy competency criteria on an ongoing basis.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Engage proactively in discussions with staff of the OPP, Solicitors for defendants and police informants aimed at identifying and pursuing opportunities for early resolution of cases

2. Assist and mentor Grade 4 at court on a rostered basis concerning all aspects of Magistrates’ Court List work

3. Prepare and appear in Magistrates’ Court matters including contested committals, summary pleas, summary contests and other summary hearings as per the OPP Advocacy Competency Framework

4. Prepare and appear in County Court matters including appeals, pleas, and applications as per the OPP Advocacy Competency Framework

5. Prepare and appear in hearings across all jurisdictions as per the OPP Advocacy Competency Framework

6. Settle presentment charges and explanatory notes in a short time for use by solicitors involved in trial preparation

7. Convene and present at the direction of the Directorate Manager in house advocacy training sessions on specified topics

QUALIFICATIONS:

You must be admitted to the legal profession as an Australian Lawyer.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

1. A thorough working knowledge of Criminal Law and Procedure and Law of Evidence and other relevant legislation

2. Completion of relevant courses and/or demonstrated experience appearing as an advocate in all facets of criminal jurisdiction appearance work in the following key advocacy competency areas:

a. Interaction with stakeholders b. Knowledge of law c. Preparation d. Advocacy skills e. Adherence to DPP policy/instruction

3. Highly developed interpersonal skills, including an ability to liaise and communicate effectively with staff, Crown Prosecutors, legal professionals, witnesses, police, members of the public and other prosecuting and investigating authorities

4. Well developed time management skills, including an ability to identify problems and manage concurrent demand within statutory limitations

5. Extensive experience in performing legal research on highly complex issues within limited time constraints

6. Demonstrated experience in taking a proactive role in the settlement of matters

7. Demonstrated experience assisting and mentoring less experienced staff

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

1. Your application should address the Key Selection Criteria and Personal Attributes and should include a resume

2. The OPP values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages diversity in the workplace

3. You must comply with the VPS Code of Conduct

4. Safety is everyone's responsibility at the Office of Public Prosecutions

5. You need to disclose any pre-existing illness or injury that you know about which could be reasonably foreseen to be affected by the work duties described. Pursuant to s.82 (7) of the Accident Compensation Act , failure to disclose such a condition will mean that if employed, you will not be paid compensation for that condition

6. The successful applicant will be employed pursuant to the 2009 Varied and Extended Victorian Public Service Agreement 2006

7. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a Criminal Record Check

8. For further information on the Office of Public Prosecutions and the Justice portfolio visit www.opp.vic.gov.au and www.justice.vic.gov.au

PRIVACY NOTIFICATION The OPP requires declarations and personal information relevant to your employment. The collection and handling of this information will be consistent with the requirements of the Information Privacy Act 2000.