Full time ongoing position Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus super plus salary packaging Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model About the role The Data Protection Specialist helps ensure VLA's data is protected and used appropriately by supporting the implementation, governance, monitoring and assurance of security and privacy practices. This role drives the development of staff awareness and capability, maintains visibility over access and use, and coordinates operational responses to data security incidents in collaboration with business units, ICT and Internal Legal Services. Through these activities, the position supports the consistent application of data security standards and the reduction of organisational risk. Responsibilities Provide targeted advice to staff on secure data use, including handling, storage and sharing of sensitive information. Support the delivery of data security awareness activities and resources for staff. Review and validate data classification and handling activities to ensure they meet security standards. Monitor access to sensitive and high-risk data and report on compliance with organisational data security standards. Maintain operational records of how VLA data is used by third parties, and track compliance with agreed data security requirements. Collate and analyse evidence to support data security risk assessments, assurance reporting and governance reviews. Coordinate VLA's operational response to data security incidents within the Data Governance remit, including logging, evidence gathering, liaison with relevant teams, and tracking actions to completion. This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country. About you As our ideal candidate, you will meet the following key selection criteria : Hands-on knowledge of legal, social, advocacy or health services and a demonstrated commitment to our vision and values. Strong ability to interpret and apply organisational policies, and to adapt guidance for different operational contexts and staff capabilities. Capability to work effectively with technical specialists and operational staff to ensure data security measures are understood and applied consistently. Understanding of how data classification, access control, and handling standards protect sensitive data, and the risks of non-compliance in an operational environment. Ability to identify and assess potential data security risks in day-to-day operations, and to escalate issues appropriately with relevant evidence and context. Awareness of how data security responsibilities intersect with privacy, records management, and cybersecurity functions. Qualifications and experience Several years of experience working in a legal, social, advocacy or health service centre and interacting with a large variety of staff, service partners and clients (mandatory). Professional experience or tertiary qualification in information security, or an information technology related field with interest in legal matters (mandatory). Demonstrated experience in a data governance, data security, or related operational assurance role (highly desirable). Experience in a public sector or regulated environment (highly desirable). Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities. About Victoria Legal Aid We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems. Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve. Employee benefits Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements Hybrid work from home & office model Training and professional development opportunities Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club (and salary package the cost) Supportive team environment in modern offices (including free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office) Access to discounted Private Health Insurance How to apply To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a completed candidate application form (to be downloaded from the Job details and Attachments section of the Vic Gov Careers web page). If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team . For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Lauren Rolfo, Recruitment and Retention Consultant on (03) 9269 0225 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au . No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 8 February 2026. Other relevant information To be eligible to apply for this position you must have the right to work in Australia (i.e., be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid work permit or visa). It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community. VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.
