Policy officer
Policy officerWhat does a policy officer do?
A policy officer provides strategic advice to senior management and to the Minister on current and emerging social policy issues relevant to the department. In line with the Department of Communities vision of safe, valued and empowered communities, issues addressed by the department mainly relate to children and families, youth, seniors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships, engaging and supporting communities and individuals. A policy officer supports the Minister in his or her important role as a member of Cabinet and Parliament.
Our policy officers lead and participate in a range of projects which are either specific to the department or relate to all of the Queensland Government. These projects can include research and evaluation, and legislative reviews.
A policy officer consults and collaborates on policy issues with a range of individuals and organisations including people in the community, other state, commonwealth and local government organisations, community agencies and peak bodies.
“ Working in policy provides me
with the chance to contribute
to a range of important issues
affecting Queenslanders.”
Craig Hodges, Project Manager
Our policy officers need to have good communication skills because they have to prepare correspondence, submissions, briefi ng notes, and reports for senior management and the government. They also represent the department at public forums relating to community issues.
What qualifications do you need?
The Department of Communities’ policy officers do not need to have a degree from a recognised tertiary institution but they are expected to meet certain criteria set-out by the department.
Policy officers currently working for the department have backgrounds in: human service studies, law, social policy, social sciences, social planning, economics, arts, research and allied health.
What personal attributes do you need?
The Department of Communities’ policy officers have:
- skills and knowledge in policy development, analysis and advice
- strong research and problem-solving skills
- good communication, writing, negotiation, consultation and interpersonal skills
- the ability to work independently and as a member of a team
- strong leadership skills
- good project planning and management skills
- sound knowledge of current human services delivery trends and practices
- the ability to learn quickly.
Join the Department of Communities if you want a career that:
- really makes a difference in the lives of others
- encourages and supports your professional growth
- combines teamwork with individual initiative
- offers variety.
Salary information
For information on salary ranges visit www.psier.qld.gov.au/psawards/cas/
For more information about job opportunities at Department of Communities:
- Visit
- www.communities.qld.gov.au
- enquiries@communities.qld.gov.au
- Telephone
- 13 13 04
- TTY
- (07) 3012 8655
Find our vacancies at www.jobs.qld.gov.au