Investigator
At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.
* 1x Ongoing, 1x Temporary position available
* Located in Parramatta with flexible working arrangements available
* Clerk Grade 7/8 - $113,574 to $125,720 plus superannuation and leave loading
About the role
* Lead high-risk misconduct and child protection investigations using best-practice methods.
* Gather evidence from multiple sources and prepare clear, defensible investigation reports.
* Partner with internal teams and external agencies to ensure aligned, compliant investigation outcomes.
Professional and Ethical Standards (PES) is comprised of Investigations teams, Employee Performance, Feedback and Complaints, PES Legal, Support Services, and Strategic Initiatives and Projects. The role of PES is to respond effectively to employee misconduct, underperformance matters, and ensuring sound systems to manage community and staff complaints.
PES does this by: undertaking investigations of child protection allegations, serious wrongdoing and general misconduct while also fulfilling the department's statutory responsibilities for managing investigations and reporting to external agencies; oversighting performance improvement programs for DoE employees and assisting DoE leaders to effectively manage underperformance; leading and positively influencing complaint practices, building capacity, and assisting schools to foster productive relationships with families.
For further information please click here to view the role description.
About you
* Bring solid experience conducting complex investigations, applying trauma-informed and procedural fairness principles in sensitive and high-risk matters.
* Analyse information quickly and accurately, distilling evidence into clearly written findings and well-structured investigation reports.
* Communicate with confidence, building trust with witnesses, staff, and external agencies while handling difficult conversations professionally.
* Manage competing priorities with ease, working calmly under pressure to deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
* Exercise sound judgement and resilience, maintaining objectivity and discretion when working with confidential or distressing information.
* Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department's Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Essential requirements of the role
* Hold a valid clearance to work with Children (Working with Children Check).
* Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements
* 35 hour working week
* Competitive, salary sacrificing, employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
* Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
* Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth
How to apply
Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and answer the following questions outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.
1. Describe a complex investigation you have conducted. What made the investigation complex, how did you manage these issues and what was the outcome? Given the outcome of the investigation is there anything that you would have done differently? (max 300 words)
1. Since the commencement of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act), matters managed by PES involving allegations of serious wrongdoing have increased. Please explain your understanding of 'serious wrongdoing', the PID Act, and how this might relate to the NSW Department of Education context. (max 300 words)
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience, insights and alignment with the Department's values and priorities.
Please refer to the Applicant's Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.
If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.
All other applicants please submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now'.
Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.
This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.
Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.
Closing date Tuesday, 9th December at 11:59pm.
For role enquiries please contact Buffy Gilbert at and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Elaine Ordell at
We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.
A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.