Inside Australia’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA): Your Swift Path to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered how Australia supports those who’ve served in the Defence Force? The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) does exactly that—covering everything from compensation and pensions to healthcare and historic commemorations. Skip the heavy research and let this quick overview give you a powerful glimpse of why the DVA might just be your next big career step!
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
Location: Australia-wide
CEO: The Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (President of the Repatriation Commission)
Total Revenue: AUD $13.5 billion (2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: 3,658 (as at 30 June 2024)
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Certificate/Diploma in Administration – Facilitates document management, claims processing, and front-line service.
Bachelor of Social Work – Equips you to offer counselling and broader support to veterans and their families.
Bachelor of Psychology – Invaluable for roles addressing mental health and rehabilitation programs.
Bachelor/Master of Business/Commerce – Crucial for managing DVA finances, audits, and strategic planning.
Master of Public Administration – Suited to crafting policy and guiding leadership decisions within government.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2) – Helps oversee and execute diverse community and health projects.
Human Resources (AHRI-endorsed) – Balances effective recruitment, workforce development, and staff well-being.
Quality Assurance / Compliance – Ensures DVA programs meet stringent government standards.
Workplace Health & Safety – Essential for creating safe environments in all operational areas.
Certificate in Finance / Bookkeeping – Supports accurate budgeting, fiscal oversight, and resource allocation.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Nursing/Allied Health Professionals – Provide direct healthcare and rehabilitation support for veterans.
IT Specialists – Maintain systems for efficient claims processing, e-records, and virtual consultations.
Legal Professionals – Offer vital guidance on compensation legislation and dispute resolutions.
Communications and Media Officers – Engage with the public, run outreach campaigns, and share veterans’ stories.
Administration Officers – Manage daily clerical functions, ensuring precise claim handling and client interactions.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Empathy and Compassion – Key to meeting the needs of people facing life challenges.
Communication – Vital for responding clearly and professionally to veterans, families, and stakeholders.
Problem-Solving – Navigating complex legislative and medical details to provide quick resolutions.
Organisation and Coordination – Balancing projects, legislation updates, and client services seamlessly.
Data Analysis and Reporting – Using numbers to improve service delivery, measure program effectiveness, and guide evidence-based policy.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Customer Service – Hones empathy and interpersonal skills for client-focused tasks.
Military or Defence Background – Brings invaluable insights into veterans’ unique needs.
Healthcare or Rehabilitation – Informs hands-on approaches to physical and mental wellness.
Policy or Government Administration – Provides familiarity with compliance, processes, and governance.
Community or Volunteer Work – Proves your adaptability and commitment to social impact.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
Name of CEO: Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Location: Australia-wide (with its primary offices in Canberra)
Year Founded: 1920 (originally under the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
The DVA’s core mission is to support the wellbeing of veterans and their dependants, whether through pensions, compensation, healthcare, rehabilitation, or commemorations.Real-World Example 🤝: If a veteran faces mobility challenges due to service-related injuries, DVA helps coordinate assistive equipment, transport, and healthcare funding to enhance their independence.
Main duties of the department:
From streamlining compensation and pensions to offering psychological counselling and overseeing commemorations, DVA works to provide timely, high-quality help.Real-World Example 🩺: A veteran needing medical treatment can have part or all of their healthcare costs covered, sparing them from financial strain.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Claims Modernisation – Introducing digital systems to speed up processing times.
Veterans’ Wellbeing Focus – Expanding mental health, rehab, and social support services.
Commemorative Events – Continually hosting ceremonies to honour those who served.
Provider Engagement – Building stronger collaborations with healthcare partners for seamless service.
Did you know?
Through the Office of Australian War Graves, the DVA maintains official commemorations nationwide and overseas, reflecting Australia’s deep respect for service personnel. 🕊️
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 3,658 (as at 30 June 2024)
Total Number of Employees at each pay level: Detailed breakdown not publicly specified; includes APS entry-level to Senior Executive Service (SES).
Salary Bands: Government classifications range from base-level administrative to high-level executive roles (APS, EL, SES).
Average Salary in the Department: Varies by role classification (aligned with Australian Public Service pay scales).
Total Revenue: AUD $13.5 billion
Average Revenue per Employee: Roughly AUD $3.69 million (i.e., $13.5b / 3,658 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate IV in Community Services – Perfect for front-line client service roles.
Diploma of Business Administration – Helpful for office management and team leadership.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Health Science / Nursing – Beneficial for administering health programs and liaising with medical providers.
Bachelor / Master of Commerce / Public Administration – Ideal for strategic planning, audits, and policy-making.
PhDs:
PhD in Psychology / Mental Health – Directly supports policy development, research, and advanced case handling.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Nursing / Allied Health (Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Counsellors): Critical for providing holistic care.
IT and Cybersecurity Specialists: Keep the department’s digital systems secure, efficient, and scalable.
Policy / Legislative Experts: Turn real-world issues into consistent and fair policy solutions.
Project Managers / Coordinators: Deliver multi-faceted community and health initiatives on time and within budget.
Administrative Support Staff: Maintain records, schedules, and facilitate crucial day-to-day activities.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Military Service or Defence Experience: Amplifies understanding of operational contexts.
Health Services Management: Supports integrated planning for medical assistance and rehabilitation.
Claims/Insurance Administration: Offers transferable skills in case reviews and benefit allocations.
Community Outreach: Provides grassroots engagement and empathy in dealing with veterans’ groups.
Government Policy & Program Delivery: Ensures smooth navigation of compliance and broader public service frameworks.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills:
Active Listening: Essential for thoroughly understanding and addressing veterans’ needs.
Team Leadership: Coordinates diverse teams and stakeholders for large-scale initiatives.
Empathy: Builds genuine rapport with individuals in need of assistance.
Technical skills:
Data Analysis (📊): Integral to program assessment, resource allocation, and results reporting.
Digital Literacy: Ensures efficient use of the DVA’s systems for claims, records, and telehealth.
General skills:
Adaptability: Critical in rapidly updating services and systems.
Stakeholder Engagement: Fosters collaboration with ex-service organisations and community groups.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Community Service: Reflects a passion for public well-being and volunteering.
History & Heritage Projects: Aligns with the commemoration of Australia’s wartime past.
Health & Fitness: Echoes the department’s emphasis on wellbeing and rehabilitation.
Research & Continuous Learning: Matches the DVA’s ongoing quest for innovation and best practice.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Address: 14 Moore Street, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Telephone: 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
Email: generalenquiries@dva.gov.au
Website: www.dva.gov.au
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