Job Description

About the Department of Home Affairs The Department of Home Affairs is a central policy agency, providing coordinated strategy and policy leadership for Australia\'s national and transport security, federal law enforcement, criminal justice, cyber security, border, immigration, multicultural affairs, emergency management and trade related functions. Immigration Programs Division delivers the permanent migration and temporary visa programs to maximise the long-term economic and social benefits to Australia across the Skilled, Family and Resident Return visa programs, and through Temporary entry to support tourism, education and international relations. About the Position Under general direction, Visa Processing Officers are responsible for delivering client service and assessing and /or deciding on the outcome of visa applications. Visa Processing Officers undertake these duties while also completing appropriate verification activities to ensure the integrity of the migration program. The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to: \xc2\xb7 Undertake visa related casework (assess, investigate, decide), applying the relevant legislation and policy to make lawful and fair decisions in accordance with delegations held under the Migration Act and Regulations. \xc2\xb7 Write decision records and general correspondence to clients. \xc2\xb7 Investigate the integrity of documents and other information in connection with visa applications. \xc2\xb7 Interview clients and request additional information to support visa applications. \xc2\xb7 Provide high level of client service. Liaise with clients, organisations, other Home Affairs offices, other agencies within the High Commission and relevant agencies within the host country and Australia. Explain Australian visa requirements and decisions to clients, their advisors and the general public. \xc2\xb7 Organise and take responsibility for own workload, work cooperatively and harmoniously to deliver services to clients in accordance with the client service charter standards and program outcomes. \xc2\xb7 Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders including with local authorities and visa delivery teams to achieve departmental business objectives. \xc2\xb7 Prepare moderately complex written documentation for visa applicants, including the preparation of visa decision records and client correspondence.
Apply and interpret relevant legislation, policies and procedures to process visa applications, within service standards in a pressured environment, escalating sensitive and more complex cases to senior staff in accordance with office protocols. \xc2\xb7 Provide administrative, clerical support to the Branch as required. Qualifications/Experience Essential: \xc2\xb7 Ability to obtain a good knowledge of the role and function of the Department. \xc2\xb7 Analytical, research and decision-making skills which show an understanding and use of legislation, policies and procedures. Capacity to make sound decisions and exercise good judgement. \xc2\xb7 Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. \xc2\xb7 Demonstrated ability to plan own work goals and priorities that align with and achieve personal and team outcomes. Flexibility and the ability to adjust priorities when work goals of the team change. A proven record of using initiative and knowing when to refer for guidance. \xc2\xb7 Demonstrated ability to work as a team member in a changing, and often, highly pressured and busy work environment. \xc2\xb7 Excellent computer skills (particularly Microsoft Office programs) and demonstrated ability to use various forms of technology. Desirable \xc2\xb7 Experience working in a client-service environment. \xc2\xb7 Foreign language skills \xe2\x80\x93 particularly in Spanish. \xc2\xb7 Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or previous experience in similar roles. \xc2\xb7 An understanding of Australia\xe2\x80\x99s migration, citizenship and border protection framework \xc2\xb7 Ability to convey and receive a range of information in a variety of situations. Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of clients from a variety of backgrounds and with varying demands. Such situations may include: telephone interaction, interviews, liaison and representation, preparing reports and correspondence. \xc2\xb7 Superior client-service skills, composure and cultural sensitivity when interacting with clients of various cultures. HOW TO APPLY: Applications must include a resume and maximum 750-word pitch describing your interest in the position, skills and relevant experience. Applications must be submitted via email to Otwa.corporate@dfat.gov.au. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months Salary: $48,988.00-$54,073.00 per year Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Ottawa, ON K1P 6L2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Must have ability to obtain and maintain Australian Security Clearance

Language:

• English (required)

Work Location: In person Application deadline: 2023-06-11