Program Officer

Program Officer

Program Officer

Location – Parramatta / requires regular in-office attendance (50% of the month) at 6 Parramatta Square in line with the DCJ flexible work policy

Employment type – Ongoing full-time role

Salary - $113,574.00 pa - $125,720.00 pa, plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Your role

As a Program Officer, you will provide program management services across a large-scale strategic program which directly contributes to better outcomes for individuals, families, groups or communities.

Child and Family, within the System Reform division, leads the development child protection policy, legislative reform, strategic program design and program management.

As leaders in child protection reform, our work is focused on reshaping the child protection and out-of-home care systems to be more responsive, integrated, and culturally safe. We are committed to moving away from crisis-driven interventions toward proactive, evidence-informed approaches that support families earlier and more effectively.

What you’ll do

In this role you will:

• Provide program management services across strategic programs or multiple smaller programs to improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
• Contribute to policy development that supports strategic objectives and improves outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
• Contribute to the design, implementation, and coordination of DCJ programs aligned with organisational objectives.
• Manage aspects of contracting, tendering, and capital works programs, including budget estimates and performance reporting.
• Liaise with internal teams and external service delivery partners to ensure programs meet client needs and achieve desired outcomes.
• Apply project management methodologies to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
• Coordinate performance reporting and compliance activities for internal and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively across DCJ divisions and with non-government organisations to ensure effective program development and policy implementation

As a central driver of whole-of-government reform, the team is responsible for developing and evaluating policy, leading legislative change, and designing strategic programs that address complex social challenges. We work in close partnership with other government agencies, service providers, and communities to ensure that reforms are grounded in lived experience and deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

What we’re looking for

You are a highly motivated individual with strong program and project management skills, with the ability to deliver results in a resource-constrained environment.

You will demonstrate a sound capability in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

We are seeking someone with a proven ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and guidelines to ensure compliance and fairness. You will demonstrate excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with a strong focus on customer service and continuous improvement.

We are seeking someone with a proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and make sound decisions under pressure.

Knowledge of program design and contract management processes is desirable, and proficiency in using technology and data to monitor and improve program outcomes will be highly regarded.

Download the role description.

To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information?  Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

Applications close Wednesday, 14 January 2026 at 11:59 pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Geoff Hazell at geoff.hazell@dcj.nsw.gov.au

If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Anjy Fayad on 02 9765 3042 or via anjy.fayad@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/