Who we are

The People, Strategy and Safety Branch is the centre of capability identification, acquisition, mobilisation and development in the department and supports the department to achieve its complex agenda through a highly capable, diverse and inclusive workforce. We provide valuable support and guidance to business areas through our closely connected sections: Health, Safety and Welfare Strategy and Systems; Health, Safety and Welfare Operations; Establishments and HR Reporting; Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion; Talent, Leadership and Capability; Workforce Strategy, Planning and Design.

The WHS National Operations section leads the engagement and practical implementation of the department’s safety management system with organisational stakeholders, including the provision and support on WHS matters.

The Job

As the WHS Seniors Advisor, you will provide specialised WHS advice and support across the department, this includes (but not limited to) helping to facilitate risk management activities, supporting workplace inspections, assisting with incident investigations and playing a key role in supporting the implementation of the department’s WHS strategy. The responsibilities of the WHS Senior Adviser include:

• providing expert WHS advice to executives, senior management and staff to build WHS capability and knowledge across a broad range of work environments.
• supporting stakeholders to report hazards, incidents, near miss incidents to proactively identify risks and enhance existing control measures
• supporting incident investigations with internal and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate analysis and effective risk mitigation controls are identified to minimise risk as low as reasonably practicable
• leading the development and implementation of strategies for enabling a high performing health and safety culture aimed at achieving positive safety culture in the workplace
• assisting in the implementation and continual improvement of WHS programs, policies, procedures to ensure proactive regulatory and statutory compliance • preparing a range of correspondence, documents, reports, submissions, proposal papers and notes for internal and external stakeholders.

Please note:

• This recruitment process will initially be used to fill two vacancies on an ongoing basis, and the role will be open to Brisbane, QLD, Melbourne, VIC and Adelaide, SA.
• This role is available on a full-time or part-time basis.
• The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

Flexible working arrangements

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To seek further information please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or experience:

• knowledge and understanding of the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations, Codes of Practice, and relevant Australian and International Standards, and their application in workplaces with diverse hazard profiles
• competent in the application of risk management concepts and practices and WHS incident investigation methodologies
• knowledge and understanding of work health and safety management systems, including their implementation in a large organisation with a diverse hazard profile
• a minimum of three to five years’ experience working in a similar WHS role and work health and safety tertiary qualifications, would be highly regarded.