Graduate Policy and Research Officer

Job Description

Commissioner for Children and Young People Job reference: 652411Location: 5000 - ADELAIDEJob status: Short Term Contract - Full TimeEligibility: Open to Everyone About the Commissioner for Children and Young People The South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People (CCYP) is an independent statutory authority established under the Children and Young People (Oversight and Advocacy Bodies) Act 2016 (“the Act”). The Commissioner promotes and advocates for the rights, development and wellbeing of all children and young people in South Australia, particularly those who are vulnerable and at-risk. The Act sets out the Commissioner’s role including advocating and promoting children and young people’s participation in the making of decisions that affect their lives. The Act specifically requires the Commissioner to advise and make recommendations to Ministers, State authorities and other bodies (including non-Government bodies), undertake and commission research, and prepare and publish reports on matters related to the rights, development and wellbeing of South Australia’s children and young people at the systemic level. Purpose of the role The Graduate Policy and Research Officer will support the work of the CCYP by researching, reviewing and making recommendations on child-focused policies, procedures and legislation. The Graduate Research Officer will also use research methods to support a range of child-related engagement and participation projects. Reporting / Working Relationships Direct working relationship Reports to the Principal Policy, Research and Advocacy Officer Maintains close and effective working relationships with Commissioner for Children and Young People Staff, volunteers and children and young people associated with CCYP projects within the CCYP External working relationships Government Departments Peak Bodies / Stakeholders Government and NGO Research Officers Role Responsibilities and Key Outcomes Support the development of expert rights-based and effective social policy from a child and youth perspective. Draft policy options, conduct research and prepare documents, correspondence, articles, briefs and papers as requested. Inform evidence-based practice, advocacy and campaigning, through direct research and briefing papers. Draft responses to inquiries, proposed legislative change and policy and program development. Research and analyse data and relevant information related to the development of child and youth focused projects. Research data to identify outcomes associated with legislative changes and potential areas to be addressed to improve policing outcomes. Undertake allocated projects, or components of a more complex project, to investigate data and variables and provide recommendations. Support CCYP team and comply with policy and procedures. Understand and comply with information security policies and procedures to ensure information holdings/systems are kept confidential and utilised accurately and reliably. Work within a team environment, providing assistance to other team members as required. Key Capabilities Essential Demonstrated skills and interest in researching, analysing and interpreting a broad range of literature and data. Demonstrated high level of written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to research, compile and prepare reports, submissions and documents. Ability to handle multiple tasks and competing projects efficiently and to a high standard. Good problem-solving skills and capacity to self-learn. Competent in use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Office 365 Platform. Basic knowledge of Statistics and/or Statistical Analysis Software (such as SAS, R, SPSS or similar). Knowledge of Research Methods (Qualitative, Quantitative and Mix-Methods). Knowledge of publicly available sources and research databases. Knowledge of Survey Monkey. An appropriate tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline. Desirable Knowledge of contemporary issues facing children and young people and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Active commitment to research and systemic advocacy. Experience with Dedoose (qualitative and mix-method research platform) or similar. Knowledge of project planning techniques. Special Conditions The Commissioner has gained amendments to the Public Sector Variations 2010 to employ people under a “direct employment model”. The Variation Regulations, titled: Public Sector (Commissioner for Children and Young People) Variation Regulations 2017 , came into effect in 2018. Staff are employed under Part 7 of the Public Sector Act 2009 and are considered a Public Sector employee. Some out of hours work is required. Inter and Intra-state travel may be required. The incumbent will be required to achieve performance targets as negotiated and mutually agreed with the Commissioner. The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) Child-related employment screening prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every three years before expiry. The incumbent will be required to undertake RAN – Responding to Abuse and Neglect Training full day course and the updated online course posted online every three years. An appropriate tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline and/or relevant vocational experience and knowledge. Australian residency or current work permits (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit). The Commissioner for Children and Young People is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. Enquiries and Application As part of your application process, you will be required to submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the job requirements.Applications via this link only. Enquiries can be directed to Monique Callery - Executive Assistant/office Manager via email or phone 08 8226 3355 Applications close: 18/2/2025 Applications close: 18/02/2025 6:00 PMFlexibility Statement The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role. #J-18808-Ljbffr