About us 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, 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.

HOW TO APPLY: Applications must include a resume and maximum 1000-word pitch describing your interest in the position, skills and relevant experience. Applications must be submitted via email to otwa.corporate@dfat.gov.au no later than 11:59 EST 03 September 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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:

· 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.

· Write decision records and general correspondence to clients.

· Investigate the integrity of documents and other information in connection with visa applications.

· Interview clients and request additional information to support visa applications.

· 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.

· 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.

· Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders including with local authorities and visa delivery teams to achieve departmental business objectives.

· 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.

· Provide administrative, clerical support to the Branch as required.

Qualifications/Experience

Essential:

· Ability to obtain a good knowledge of the role and function of the Department.

· 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.

· Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

· 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.

· Demonstrated ability to work as a team member in a changing, and often, highly pressured and busy work environment.

· Excellent computer skills (particularly Microsoft Office programs) and demonstrated ability to use various forms of technology.

Desirable

· Experience working in a client-service environment.

· Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or previous experience in similar roles.

· An understanding of Australia’s migration, citizenship and border protection framework

· 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.

· Superior client-service skills, composure and cultural sensitivity when interacting with clients of various cultures.

An order of merit may be established for up to 18 months towards future opportunities in addition to the current available position.

Please note that the Australian High Commission can only employ Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $56,336.00-$62,183.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care
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: 2024-09-03

Australian High Commission - Department of Home Affairs jobs

Visa Processing Officer