DHS Career Portal

SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER

Reference 2C005F35

Job Reference:

2C005F35

Eligibility:

External Vacancy – Open to Everyone

Division:

Workforce Development and Integrity

Location:

Adelaide

Salary Range:

163,240-178,019

Classification:

LE05

Engagement Type:

Term Contract

Closing Date:

03 Aug 2026

Role Highlights

Flexible working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance including hybrid working from home options
Work in a values-driven organisation where your legal expertise directly supports community wellbeing and social justice outcomes
Make a meaningful impact in a supportive, rewarding environment

Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision-making, and help our communities when it matters most.

Check out our Candidate Pack for more information

About the Business

The Workforce Development and Integrity Division plays a critical role in building our capable, inclusive, and high-performing workforce and by extension, supporting the delivery of safe, trusted services for the South Australian community. The division provides internal strategic and operational workforce services, whilst also contributing to the boarder public safety and integrity through the provision of screening services.

Role Details

The Senior Legal Officer is a role within Workforce Development and Integrity and is accountable to the Director, Legal Policy for:

• providing high-level legal policy analysis, advice and practical guidance to DHS divisions on complex, sensitive and emerging matters affecting departmental functions, programs, and decision-making

• supporting the Director, Legal Policy to provide timely and well-considered advice to the Minister, Chief Executive, Executive and senior managers, including through briefs, correspondence, submissions, and options papers

• identifying matters that require Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO) advice or other specialist input, and preparing clear instructions, issue summaries, and questions for CSO consideration

• supporting the management of sensitive policy and operational matters by coordinating legal policy input, project work, stakeholder engagement and risk-aware advice.

Special Conditions

National Police Check required.
Employment-related Screening Check required.

Qualifications
The incumbent must hold a degree in Law and Admission, or eligibility to be admitted as a Legal Practitioner.

Attachments:

Role Description - Senior Legal Officer - LE5.pdf

Contact Us

Enquiries to Mandy Smith

0450 881 412

mandy.smith@sa.gov.au

Diversity And Inclusion

DHS is committed to making our services and workplaces safe and inclusive for all people and ensuring the full diversity of the communities we serve are represented in our workforce, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or neurodivergence, young people, older people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you require assistance with this process, please contact us at dhsrecruitment@sa.gov.au and a member of the team will get back to you.

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We also celebrate the many strengths and skills people with disability and/or neurodivergent people bring to our workplace and acknowledge our role in ensuring a supportive work environment for people with disability and/or neurodivergent people to thrive in.

Application Instructions

Resume and Cover Letter

You are required to submit a cover letter, up to a maximum of two pages, addressing how your skills, attributes and experience meet the role specific capabilities and attach your current resume via the online application form. For more information about applying, refer to our Job Application Guide

Screening Checks

If you are new to the department and are invited to an interview, you will be required to produce a National Police Check, which has been issued within six months of your application for the role. National Police Checks can be applied for via the South Australia Police or through an Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission accredited body.
If the role you are applying for also requires an Employment-related Screening Check, you will be required to undergo such assessment as is advised by DHS, including periodic assessment during your employment.