| Agency | Department of Home Affairs |
| Position number | Various |
| Title | Visa Processing Officer |
| Classification | LE3 |
| Section | Santiago Visa Office |
| Reports to (title) | Senior Migration Officer |
About the Department of Home Affairs
Home Affairs (HA) is responsible for a diverse portfolio including managing migration, humanitarian and citizenship programmes. It works to keep Australia secure through border management and facilitates travellers to enter Australia. HA strives to make fair and reasonable decisions for people entering Australia, ensuring compliance with Australia’s immigration laws and integrity in decision-making.
The HA office at the Australian Embassy, Santiago plays a critical role in achieving the Department’s broader strategic goals. Its primary functions are to process Australian permanent migration, visitor, and temporary residence visas for clients across the Americas.
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.
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 Embassy 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.
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 meet or exceed performance expectations, 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.
- Ability to fluently read, write and speak in English and Spanish.
Desirable
- Experience working in a client-service environment.
- Other language skills (eg. Portuguese).
- 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.
- Ability to contribute to continuous improvement and innovation in the workplace
How to apply >