Principal, Dispute Resolution

• Enjoy rewarding work, a respectful culture and the support you need to thrive
• Competitive remuneration, flexibility and incredible benefits
• Play a key role supporting WIC as we help injured Victorians find a way forward
• Join a recognised WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women

About Us

At the Workplace Injury Commission (WIC), we help thousands of injured workers and employers every year to resolve their disputes and move forward with their lives

We’re a Victorian Statutory Authority established under the Accident Compensation Act (1985). We are responsible for delivering fair, informal and cost-effective dispute resolution services to the Victoria community

Our conciliation and arbitration services help resolve injured worker’s compensation disputes in accordance with the objectives and requirements of the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Vic) 2013 and Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Arbitration) Act 2021 respectively

WIC’s ambition is to become the leading dispute resolution service in Australia and to achieve this, it is embarking on a four-year transformation which takes into consideration recent WorkCover Modernisation legislation

WIC is currently undertaking a significant transformation to uplift organisational capabilities & services both internally (to its workforce) and external to the Victorian community

Our Values

The Principal, Dispute Resolution is expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Core Values of WIC, Public Sector Values as outlined in the Public Administration Act 2004, and associated Codes of Conduct. Our values are:

RESPECT – treating others as you wish to be treated; and ensuring freedom from discrimination, harassment and bullying

INTEGRITY – being honest, open and transparent; striving to earn and sustain trust by doing what you say you will

ACCOUNTABILITY – accepting responsibility for decisions and actions; delivering on commitments; working to clear objectives in a transparent manner

IMPARTIALITY – making decisions on merit without bias; ensuring independence, understanding and respect; acting fairly by objectively considering all relevant facts

WIC exercises functions under the following legislation:

• Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Vic) 2013
• Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Arbitration) Act 2021

The impact you’ll have

We are looking for a progressive and dynamic Principal, Dispute Resolution, to join our high-performing Executive Leadership Team. In this role, you will elevate standards and expectations and lead the strategic transformation of our service – so that injured workers have access to outstanding impartial dispute resolution services and support

As the senior decision maker on WorkCover disputes for WIC, you will ensure the provision of accurate and impartial technical and legal guidance to your team of Conciliation and Arbitration Officers in relation to WIC’s legislative mandate

You will also have an in-depth knowledge of Victorian public sector, including relevant standards, and provide strategic direction on how we achieve our organisational goals, improve organisational performance and promote a professional, inclusive and collaborative learning culture within your own team and the organisation

The Principal, Dispute Resolution will play an integral role in the transformation of WIC’s service including the design, implementation and continuous improvement of our ‘ways of working’ and associated technology. You will provide strategic direction on the transformation of our service and drive the change required to ensure WIC delivers high-quality, timely and accessible dispute resolution services to injured workers into the future

Who we’re looking for – About You

To succeed in this role, you will:

• Consistently deliver high quality and cost-effective dispute resolution services that meet WIC’s strategic objectives and legislative, regulatory and policy requirements
  Lead and manage a team of conciliation and arbitration managers, providing support and coaching as needed to develop and embed a high-performing culture of accountability and service excellence
• Actively contribute to the development of organisational strategy, objectives and initiatives as well as ensuring the effective execution and delivery of operational plans through the Sponsorship of projects and leadership of your team
• Build and maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships to enhance WIC’s visibility as a provider of high quality, accessible, informal and independent dispute-resolution services
• Ensure the provision of specialist legal and technical guidance and advice to support the application of sound and consistent practice in relation to the exercise of conciliation and arbitration powers under the Act, including the adherence to Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness principles
• Work across the organisation to ensure WIC ‘sets the standard’ within the Victorian Workers’ Compensation jurisdiction
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with dispute resolution, whilst developing risk mitigation strategies
• Oversee and manage the financial operation of the dispute resolution service including cost and resource management, expenditure, budgeting, planning and forecasting

Qualifications for appointment:

The Workplace Injury Commission sets the following qualifications for a person to be eligible to be appointed as Principal, Dispute Resolution

Relevant tertiary qualification in law, dispute resolution or business management
Postgraduate qualifications in management and/or leadership, or relevant discipline

Highly Regarded

Extensive mediation and/or tribunal experience as a decision-maker or convenor or service leader within a dispute resolution specific setting

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Requirements:

• Senior-level or Executive leadership experience establishing, developing and leading a business unit or function within a complex legislative framework
  Extensive experience in formal or alternate dispute resolution
• Advanced strategic thinking capability as well as ‘whole of organisation’ problem solving and decision-making skills, especially when leading and managing change
• Proven ability to build, develop and sustain a high-performing team driven to achieve operational and strategic objectives
• Builds buy-in and support internally and with external stakeholders to achieve objectives and outcomes that are in the best interest of WIC; using a variety of different influencing approaches tailored to different stakeholders
• Sponsors and contributes to the strategic projects to drive organisational change and achieve our vision of being a leading provider of dispute resolution
• Comprehensive understanding of the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 (Vic.) and evidence of applying advanced decision making in this jurisdiction (or similar jurisdiction)
• Experience of leading strategic transformation and embedding a high-performing culture of accountability, service excellence, inclusivity, collaboration and continuous improvement
• An understanding or evidence of adaptability to working in a public sector environment and its Ministerial reporting and accountability requirements
• Proven experience writing and publishing technical or legal decisions that are subject to judicial review
• Proven experience in the redesign and transformation of a service model

Reporting Relationships:

The Principal, Dispute Resolution has six direct reports consisting of Conciliation Team Managers, Arbitration Practice Manager and Senior Legal Officer with wider accountability for the arbitration and conciliation teams

Resolution matters. And so do you

We’re a stable, purpose-driven organisation that offers you meaningful work, a welcoming and vibrant team culture, and a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive remuneration, plus generous allowances and reimbursements for study, wellbeing and home-office working
• More leave when you need it most – flexible leave arrangements tailored to you
• Access to our 24/7 holistic mental health and wellbeing program for you and your family
• A progressive and supportive work environment with experienced leaders

Here are some of the things we hope you’ll love about working with us:

Help Victorians find a way forward
As the Principal, Dispute Resolution, you’ll play a vital role in supporting WIC to help injured workers and employers overcome some of the most challenging times of their lives

Find support and relationships that count
Respect is a key value here. We trust and empower you to be your best self, at work and home

Respect today, shape tomorrow
Bring your diverse thinking and help make us even better

Be rewarded for your contribution
We offer you real professional development opportunities plus a wide range of rewards and benefits to help you thrive

Want to help us shape a brighter future? Join us

Take your career to the next level with the Workplace Injury Commission. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter via the link

Please note: Applications will be reviewed throughout the application period, and interviews may commence before the application period expires

Applications close: Monday 3 June 2024 at 11:59pm

Our commitment to diversity and flexibility

WIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the diversity of its people. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the application or interview process for this role, please contact us via email careers@wic.vic.gov.au

Only people with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position. You will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process. Successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status or medical exemption prior to commencing employment