EL1 Work, Health and Safety Advisor

Location: thursday-Island
Salary: $106801 - $129949 per annum, Benefits: 15.4% Super + Bonus
Job Type: permanent
Contact: Samantha Fernando
As a key client, the TSRA is an Australian Public Service (APS) agency, based on Thursday Island. Their rangers and scientific teams operate across all inhabited islands of the Torres Strait, from Mer in the East, to Boigu in the North and Badu in the West. We have approximately 150 employees, and 78 per cent of our employees are Torres Strait Islander and/or Aboriginal people.
 
TSRA employees are covered by our enterprise agreement. Features include 27 days annual leave for employees based in the Torres Strait, generous remote area allowances and relocation assistance. They also provide employees and eligible household members with travel and accommodation support when they need to travel to the mainland for medical/dental treatmentas set out in the CEO’s 24(1) determination.
 
The TSRA’s responsibilities focus on supporting people who live in the Torres Strat region, and include:
  • recognising and maintaining the special and unique Ailan Kastom of Torres Strait Islanders
  • formulating and implementing programs for Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal persons, and monitoring their effectiveness (including monitoring programs conducted by other bodies)
  • developing policy proposals to meet national, state and regional needs and priorities of Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal persons
  • assisting, advising and cooperating with Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities, organisations, and individuals at national, state, territory and regional levels
  • advising the Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians on matters relating to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal affairs in the Torres Strait Region
 
The work of the teamThe Corporate Services team provides human resources, information management, & technology and corporate administration services to the organisation. In addition, it oversees work, health and safety (WH&S) and facilities management functions including asset management and fleet operations. The team leads and coordinates a range of compliance and assurance reporting requirements on behalf of the TSRA, supporting the CEO in enabling the efficient operation of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

The TSRA is a dynamic, multi-faceted workplace with staff undertaking work in a range of operating environments including:
  • office based (mainly Thursday Island)
  • office based /community engagement on inhabited Torres Strait Islands
  • community-based Ranger roles located on inhabited Torres Strait Islands where the work includes sea travel, manual labour and outside work in extreme conditions.
Duties and responsibilities in this role Under the direction of the Corporate Services Manager, you will manage all aspects of WHS, rehabilitation and wellbeing at TSRA. You will be responsible for both strategic WHS activities and providing direction on the appropriate implementation of the WHS management systems, including:
  • the development, implementation, maintenance and monitoring of the WHS management systems including supporting documents such as policies and procedures. This may include working with the executive, staff or HR team members, and providing them with direction and oversight of policy development.
  • supporting the running of a WHS Committee, and manage other consultative and reporting frameworks, and reporting to the Executive on key safety risks.
  • working proactively with TSRA managers and employees to identify hazards and existing controls, assess risk and determine the need for additional mitigation strategies, and leading the work to deliver measurable and appropriate improvements.
  • working at the individual, team and organisational level to implement initiatives, tools and resources to proactively minimise workplace hazards and risks and prevent physical and psychological injury in the workplace.
  • monitoring and reporting on WHS indicators and ensuring regulatory compliance in line with the WHS legislative framework.
  • providing strategic and operational WHS and wellbeing (including fitness for duty and return to work) advice to managers and employees and working with internal stakeholders to embed sound operational WHS practices across and through all TSRA work units.
  • developing and maintaining professional working relationships with other stakeholders including Comcare staff, rehabilitation case managers and our EAP provider. This includes liaising, engaging and collaborating with other internal or external professionals to resolve assessments, complete assessments or make referrals and ensure positive outcomes.
You will work within the Corporate Services team to provide timely and consistent advice, based on the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1983, TSRA policies, and Australian Public Service guidance and standards. This will include growing and developing the WHS and rehabilitation skills and knowledge of other members of the Corporate Services Team.
 
To apply, submit a one page pitch outlining evidence of your:

  • An excellent understanding of and experience in providing advice in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1983, associated regulations, standards and codes of practice.
  • Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with experience in creating policies, procedures and presentations together with a demonstrated ability to present to large groups of people, as well as to work one-on-one with staff in relation to sensitive health or wellbeing concerns. This includes making decisions that are based on professional judgement and evaluating risks in a complex and changing environment.
  • A sound understanding of project management principles (to support policy creation, implementation and monitoring), the ability to manage competing priorities, and the flexibility to respond to ad hoc requests. Strong skills in research, analysis and judgement to enable you to manage complex issues.
  • The ability to work autonomously and to demonstrate sound judgement and risk management skills and expertise. This includes taking responsibility for achieving outcomes, monitoring progress, communicating regularly and following through to deliver quality outcomes.
  • The ability to take account of the wide range of WHS challenges across the TSRA and provide sound advice in a way that supports delivering outcomes in our unique operating environment with our employees’ safety and wellbeing as the highest priority.

Qualifications we are looking for: 
  • Relevant formal qualifications in WHS and/or safety-related disciplines, e.g. relevant certifications in WHS or a safety-related discipline would be highly desirable.
  • Significant relevant practical experience in WHS, rehabilitation and workers’ compensation.
  • Comcare Rehabilitation Case Management training (or willingness to undertake this training).
This vacancy is an identified position, meaning the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people.
All employees at the TSRA are required to liaise with Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people, communities, and service providers.

If you are not a Torres Strait Islander and/or Aboriginal person your application must demonstrate that you have:
  • understanding of the issues affecting Torres Strait Islander and/or Aboriginal peoples
  • demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Torres Strait Islander and/or Aboriginal peoples
  • demonstrated capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.
 
How to Apply

Reach out to Samantha Fernando, Apsrecruitment@sixdegreesexecutive.com.au attaching:
  • Your resume (maximum of three pages).
  • Your one-page pitch. This document should relate your skills, knowledge, and experience to the ‘things to tell us in your pitch’ including your cultural competency where required.
    • Try not to duplicate information that can already be found in your resume but do highlight any specific examples or achievements that will demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
  • Submit your application before 11:30pm AEST, Wednesday 13 September 2023.
If you experience any difficulties accessing or submitting your online application, or have any questions, please contact Samantha from Six Degrees Recruitment Team on 0402 494 581 or at Apsrecruitment@sixdegreesexecutive.com.au for a confidential discussion.

Please be aware that the position-holder may be required to travel by light aircraft or helicopter when visiting other Torres Strait Islands.

Six Degrees Executive acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
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