Personnel Security Officer

Personnel Security Officer
Location - Parramatta (NSW wide applications will be considered)
Employment type - Ongoing full-time role
Salary - Clerk Grade 7/8 - $106,025 pa - $117,363 pa, plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
Your role
The Security Strategy Implementation team within the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is pivotal in ensuring the effective implementation of Personnel Security measures across the department. The team is responsible for developing and managing Personnel Security strategies, policies, and programs to safeguard DCJ's assets, information, and people. This involves fostering key stakeholder engagements and partnerships, aligning security services with departmental strategies, and monitoring compliance with prescribed standards.
The team play a crucial role in reporting progress to the Security Steering Committee and providing expert advice on policy matters, particularly in the realm of Personnel Security. Responsibilities of the team extend to project management, mentoring staff on the application of security policies, and conducting reviews of complex security clearance assessments. As such, the team demands a keen focus on maintaining ethical standards, effective communication, collaboration, and the ability to navigate complex and changing priorities within a high-volume work environment.
What you'll do
The Personnel Security Officer within the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) entails overseeing the processing of security clearances, transfers, upgrades, and reporting, aligning with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). On a day-to-day basis, the incumbent maintains current information for corporate reports, dashboards, and other business activities, contributing to decision-making processes for branch leadership and divisional executive team.
The Personnel Security Officer actively manages the security clearance process, serving as the primary contact for clearance holders, addressing issues such as change of circumstances and contact reporting. The role involves formulating Personnel Security guidelines in compliance with Australian Government requirements, fostering key relationships within the Department and across government agencies, and identifying and mitigating security risks.
The position requires a proactive and creative approach to providing Personnel Security recommendations, monitoring, and analysing recurring issues for improvement opportunities, and delivering high-quality customer service in protective security planning. The role operates with minimal supervision, exercises sound judgment in handling confidential information, and reports to the Manager, Personnel Security.
The successful candidate will be an integral part of the Security Strategy Implementation team within the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The team operates within the broader Stronger Communities Cluster, focusing on achieving safe, just, inclusive, and resilient communities through effective and responsive services.
The team collaborates closely to coordinate security clearances, transfers, upgrades, and reporting, supporting the Department's assurance to the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). The work environment is characterised by a commitment to justice, early intervention, and community inclusion.
The team fosters a culture of open communication, proactive problem-solving, and adaptability, with an emphasis on building and maintaining effective relationships both within the Department and across various government agencies. The team values diversity and inclusion, ethical conduct, and a strong dedication to achieving shared goals in a dynamic operating environment. The successful candidate will find themselves working in a supportive team with a focus on professional growth and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality protective security services.
What we're looking for
Essential Requirements:

• Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting)
• Possess, or have the ability to obtain, and maintain a minimum Australian Government Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) security clearance

In addition to meeting the essential requirements, the ideal candidate for the Personnel Security Officer role would:

• have demonstrated experience in assessing security clearances up to and including Negative Vetting Level 2 in accordance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
• have exposure to corporate security functions in complex operating environments, including collaboration with state, national, and international security and intelligence communities.
• have a strong understanding of current relevant Commonwealth and State Government policies, particularly as they apply to the Department, and possess the ability to interpret and apply these policies effectively.
• be adept at maintaining up-to-date information for corporate reports, dashboards, and business activities, demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Key capabilities include the ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, tailoring communication to diverse audiences. The candidate should be able to manage self effectively, showing drive, motivation, and a commitment to learning. The role requires resilience and courage, the ability to think and solve problems, and effective project management skills. In addition to technical skills, the ideal candidate would display personal attributes such as integrity, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team. They should be proactive, demonstrate accountability, and uphold public sector values. Familiarity with technology, including contemporary communication channels, is also beneficial for success in the role
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To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click . 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
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 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 Monday, 12th February 2024 at 11:59pm AEST.
Got a question?
For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Than Ryan on 02 8688 9039 or at
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, please call Sarah Nguyen on 02 9765 5046 or via
Visit 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 .
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 .
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.