Ave Maria is a NDIS registered organization based in Illawarra & Shoalhaven with Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodations (SDA), in-home care and Community Participation support. In line with the continued growth of the organisation we are introducing the newly created role of Work, Health & Safety and Wellbeing Officer and Return to Work Coordinator to implement and maintain WHS Management systems and processes.

Ave Maria is committed to delivering specialist, quality and tailored disability services to the unique needs of each participant that allows them to experience choice and control over their life and ultimately, live their fullest life possible. We are looking for a knowledgeable and motivated WHS professional with a genuine interest in the community services sector. Through process improvement, education, and support you will contribute to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

In this role you will;

Provide advice and support to the management team, Workforce Manager and Team Leaders as well as the on-site workforce to develop and promote a safe working culture

Complete site-based safety audits, compliance checks and risk assessments at our Accommodations and sites

Review hazard and incident reporting, investigating and managing corrective actions

Develop and implement a WHS action plan to improve processes across the business

Coordinate and support investigation of incidents, near misses and unsafe work practices

Undertake the nominated role of the RTW Coordinator and monitor injured employees through the RTW process. Full training and certification support can be provided if this function is new to you.

Provide monthly WHS reports to the Senior Management Team

Keep up to date with WHS and Workers Compensation legislation and changes, providing updates and advice to the Senior Management team

Knowledge and Experience required;

Previous experience in a WHS Focused role, ideally in a similar industry setting

Certificate III or IV in Work Health & Safety (or equivalent qualification) and/or equivalent workplace experience

Good working knowledge of WHS Legislation with the ability to navigate legislation, policies and procedures

Demonstrated experience conducting audits and managing corrective actions

Be an accredited Return to Work Coordinator or willing to obtain, training can be provided

Experience in, or an understanding and appreciation of the community service sector particularly the NDIS and disability sector would be highly beneficial

Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to communicate and translate WHS legislation to a with a wide audience

Excellent organisation and time management skills and the ability to consistently meet deadlines

Current Australian Driver's License with an ability to travel across Illawarra and Shoalhaven sites

A genuine passion for workplace safety and wellbeing

Why Ave Maria:

Impact - In this newly created role you will have flexibility, influence and the ability to make a difference across an organisation supporting people with disability to thrive and live their best lives

Team – Join a great team - based in a new head office in Unanderra and modern SIL and SDA properties across Illawarra and Shoalhaven

Access to a pool car for travel

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential wellbeing support

Flexibility - Part time position – Approx 0.5 FTE, we are open to ideas on days/hours that suit your life

To apply for the position please submit your up-to-date CV and Cover Letter today, Applications close 10th August 2025 but applicants will be contacted as they are received so don’t delay!

If you are interested in Disability Support Work rather than a WHS focused role you can submit a CV via our website HERE