About us

The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established on 1 January 2023 to improve everyone's experience of doing business and interacting with the Victorian government. We bring important day-to-day services together in one department to make things easy and seamless for Victorians and businesses. We are doing this by connecting and digitising our systems and platforms across state and local government as well as streamlining our corporate and procurement services.

Part of the Consumer Affairs and Local Government group, Dispute Settlement Centre Victoria (DSCV) provides dispute resolution, mediation and advice services for a broad range of community disputes.

We currently have four opportunities for a Dispute Assessment Officer to join a dedicated team supporting the operation of DSCV on a two-year, fixed term basis.

About the role

As a key member of a client-facing team, the role of the Dispute Assessment Officer is to promote, conduct and deliver dispute resolution services to parties in dispute by working with parties individually and together to resolve disputes face to face or by telephone.

The Dispute Assessment Officer will conduct intake assessments, narrow issues and support the parties to reach a resolution through delivery of mediation whilst remaining impartial and neutral.

Key accountabilities include

• Undertake the assessment and analysis of the dispute and diagnose dispute resolution requirements.
• Provide advice to parties on options available and make recommendations using the assisted settlement processes to provide fast resolution including independently providing parties with appropriate third-party referrals as needed.
• Encourage parties to explore potential solutions and find mutually acceptable outcomes, using a facilitative approach to resolution and ensure issues are clarified.
• Use sound judgement to determine appropriate course of action based on evidence from all parties and relevant stakeholders pertaining to the case.

About you

To be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate:

• Demonstrated experience in a high-volume case management environment
• Experience in the assessment of disputes, case management and dispute resolution techniques.
• National Mediator Accreditation and conciliation experience is desirable
• Experience resolving disputes is highly desirable.

For specific responsibilities please review the attached position description.

Additional information

Please be aware that as this is a client-facing role, successful candidates will be expected to attend our office in Melbourne CBD a minimum of three days a week in line with our flexible work policy.

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

How to apply

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Tuesday, 22 April 2025. All applications should include:

• a resume; and
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages)

In accordance with the Jobs and Skills Exchange Policy, Victorian Public Service employees are required to apply via the JSE for primary consideration access.

Other relevant information

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DGS has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DGS employees be fully vaccinated.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent Form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.

DGS actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DGS can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.