Work Health and Safety Officer

The Role

The APS 6 Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officer is critical to assisting SEG in fulfilling its WHS obligations and achieving positive safety outcomes. The position coordinates WHS compliance and intervention activities between SEG, industry partners and the Commonwealth WHS Regulator, Comcare, ensuring the timely provision of accurate information and documentation.

In this role, you will:

• Engage with a broad range of SEG stakeholders, including industry partners, to support the timely coordination of information between SEG and Comcare.
• Demonstrate excellent attention to detail by analysing and consolidating critical information into high-quality responses and action plans.
• Apply a sound understanding of WHS legislation, policy and governance frameworks.
• Provide detailed guidance to SEG stakeholders in relation to WHS legislation, and internal policy and procedures.
• Contribute to the review and update of SEG's WHS documentation, ensuring it remains current and fit for purpose.
• Effectively manage workload, delivering outcomes within required timeframes while contributing to broader team objectives.

About our Team

The Directorate of Work Health and Safety provides advice on the application and impact of Work Health and Safety legislation, Codes of Practice, prescribed Australian Standards, and Defence policy requirements. This is a small but highly skilled team with extensive knowledge of work health and safety and a strong commitment to the important role it plays in Defence. The team's activities are diverse and include policy and process development, assurance activities, education and outreach, and WHS incident investigations.

Key functions of the Directorate include:

• Providing analysis and reporting to the Senior Leadership Group on WHS responsibilities, performance and trends.
• Managing SEG's interactions with Comcare, the Commonwealth WHS Regulator.
• Working with SEG's industry partners to support the effective management of WHS for contracted workers.
• Collaborating with Defence Groups and Services to ensure a coordinated approach to safety across Defence.
• Representing SEG in Defence WHS forums, and contributing to the development of Defence WHS policies.
• Leading and coordinating a national network of WHS subject matter experts.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and adaptable individual who:

• Demonstrates an understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks and their application in dynamic workplace environments.
• Provides accurate technical advice on WHS matters.
• Has the ability to develop comprehensive, high-quality work packages to support regulatory interactions.
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and the ability to identify, analyse and interpret critical information.
• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to influence safety outcomes.
• Is capable of undertaking complex work under limited direction and exercising sound judgement.
• Is comfortable coordinating workflows and managing multiple work packages to ensure outcomes are delivered within required timeframes.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, responds effectively to emerging priorities, and performs well under pressure.
• Seeks on-the-job training and development opportunities to enhance professional skills, subject matter expertise and knowledge.
• Has a passion for safety!

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Baseline Vetting” level.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers