Employment programs

Graduate program

The Graduate Program aims to recruit and retain well rounded graduates who are seeking opportunities and careers within a highly regarded and respected department. You will work on a range of public issues, develop your career within an inclusive and supportive environment and make a positive impact on the wider community. 

You can read further information about the graduate program (External link)

 

Pathways to our graduate program

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety (the department), our goal is for our workforce to reflect the diverse community we serve. We continually seek to employ people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation and cultural background as well as those with a disability.

The department’s graduate program runs in line with these objectives too, providing dedicated pathways both for applicants with a disability and those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Pathway for candidates with a disability

We want all people to feel they have the opportunities and work environment they need to thrive. We support candidates with a disability throughout the recruitment process to demonstrate their capacity to perform a role. The department also invites candidates to discuss personally applicable workplace adjustments that should be made, which may include workstation alterations, flexible working arrangements or other changes that we can arrange to help you work effectively and enjoyably.  

Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates

Recruiting people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander is another priority of the department. For the graduate program, we ensure cultural sensitivities are catered for throughout the recruitment process, and you will also receive ongoing support from our Aboriginal Employment Team. If successful in securing a role, you will have access to additional networking opportunities and peer support through the department’s Aboriginal Employee Network (AEN). Learn more about these benefits.

For more information, please contact the Aboriginal Employment Team on aboriginal.employment@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)

 

What makes this graduate program great?

Our graduates work on projects that make a real difference in our community. You will witness the positive impact of your efforts – that’s an everyday experience when you’re developing reports that inform criminal justice strategy, contributing to policies that help shape our state’s future, and supporting the wider department in its commitment to improving the lives of Victorians. You can be confident your work will help make Victoria a safer and more equitable place to live.

Variety

You will work across three business units during your graduate year with the department. Rotations last for four months, giving you enough time to sink your teeth into the work and see some positive results, while still exposing you to a broad cross-section of the department’s responsibilities.

Support

Buddies

On your first day at head office, you’ll be paired up with a ‘buddy’, who is familiar with the graduate program (they may even have been a graduate with the department themselves). You’ll have informal catch ups with them regularly. They’re here to guide you through a successful year by answering any questions you have about the department and supporting you in any tasks you’re finding tough.

Mentors

You will also be assigned a mentor, likely to be a manager but not your personal manager. Mentors are great for discussing your bigger ambitions. They can share their experience in the department, helping you plot out your career pathway and ensuring you have the resilience and the right attitude to flourish.

Other graduates

This is the source of support you may come to value more than any other. You will start the program with your cohort (likely 10-14 graduates) and finish it together. You’ll share inductions, lunches and training sessions, and you’ll discuss your experiences and help each other out. These people will be the bedrock of your network in the public service and, even more importantly, will likely become friends you trust and value.

Learning and development

You already know it – learning doesn’t stop when you’re handed your degree. If you’ve got an open mind, education continues through every day of your life. With that in mind, the department has designed a comprehensive learning and development plan to jump-start your career. From improving your writing, cultural awareness and presentation schools to walking you through a day in the life of a deputy secretary, you will finish the year knowing what the department is all about and how you can contribute to making it even better. 

In addition to these great features, our employees also enjoy benefits such as:

• a competitive salary package
• flexible working arrangements, family friendly practices and provisions for study leave
• opportunities to undertake secondments within the department and our agencies
• access to ongoing professional development including structured learning and development opportunities.

 

Who are we looking for?

Not only are we looking for candidates with the right mix of skills, experience and qualifications, we also want to find people who are committed to upholding the department's values and behaviours. If you would like to serve the community, act with integrity, respect other people and make it happen, then we want to hear from you.

 

Am I eligible?

To find out if you're eligible and how to apply, please visit the Victorian Government graduate program page (External link)

We also have a firm commitment to increasing participation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people across our workforce. This is why the department runs the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduate Scheme.

 

Where to from here?

So you’re still interested in joining the Department of Justice and Community’s graduate program? Great! Please visit the Victorian Government graduate program page (External link) for further information on the assessment process.

Intern programs

All DJCS intern programs are specially designed for students to build experience, networks and skills and serve as a talent pathway to the graduate program and other entry level roles within the department. There are two intake periods across both the winter and summer periods with a three month duration.

Legal and Justice Policy 

An inhouse intern program run by the Department of Justice and Community Safety designed for high-calibre university students.

Applications for this program are currently open.

Stepping into (Australian Network on Disability)

‘Stepping Into’ is a national intern program that connects highly skilled university students living with a disability with VPS roles across the public sector.

Applications for this program are currently open. Visit the Australian Network on Disability (External link) website for more information.

Refugee and Asylum Seeker

Shortlisted students from a refugee or asylum seeker background who are in their final or penultimate year of university study.

Applications for this program are currently open. Visit the Victorian Public Sector Commission (External link) website for more information.

Digital Jobs

Experienced mid-career Victorians transition into digital careers, trained with up-to-date digital skills, backed by industry. Being mid-career participants, they bring a wealth of experience and valuable transferable skills.

Applications for this program are currently open. Visit the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (External link) website for more information.