Senior Legal Officer

$186019 per annum (plus super) + attractive benefits + mentoring and support

• Join us in shaping the future of dispute resolution and legal support, where your leadership will pave the way for excellence and innovation
• 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 (with its workforce) and external to the Victorian community

Our Values

The Senior Legal Officer 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

The impact you’ll have

We’re seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Senior Legal Officer to join our organisation to lead our Legal Support function which is designed to empower our people and ensure WIC continues to deliver on its legislative mandate

Working as part of a high-performing leadership team, you’ll work collaboratively with Conciliation and Arbitration teams to provide legal advice, coordination and support of WIC’s dispute resolution services

Your primary responsibility will be to provide high-quality and reliable operational and strategic legal guidance to our Conciliation and Arbitration Officers. This will allow them to build their capability and make impartial, well-informed legal-based decisions in relation to injured workers’ disputes at a time when it matters most

Who we’re looking for

To succeed in this role, you will:

• Provide specialist, timely legal advice and expertise to the Arbitration and Conciliation teams relating to legal issues or questions of law arising from, or in relation to conciliations, arbitrations, hearings and case management
• Provide advice and support to internal stakeholders relating to our compliance with legislative requirements and obligations, including the interpretation and/or application of relevant legislation
• Work closely with the Arbitration Service to ensure that the Principal, Dispute Resolution and Conciliation and Arbitration Officers, and are supported to apply the principle of procedural fairness and sound and proper legal reasoning
• Work with internal stakeholders to build awareness and understanding of legal obligations, legislative frameworks and parliamentary processes to achieve organisational objectives and support operational effectiveness
• Provide support in the preparation, review and analysis of arbitration determinations to ensure that appropriate legal reasoning is applied in a coherent and defensible way, and accordance with our legislative requirements and obligations
• Lead and manage a team in the delivery of a high performing and efficient legal support service in a way that meets operational objectives and legislative requirements
• Provide direction, support, feedback and guidance to the team to ensure a consistently high-quality service
• Identify issues or challenges related to service delivery, and work with the team to problem solve and develop appropriate solutions in an effective and timely way

Essential Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in law, dispute resolution
• Postgraduate qualifications in law, management and/or leadership are desirable

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Requirements

• Extensive experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, case law and regulations particularly to Victorian Workers’ Compensation legislation
• Comprehensive knowledge of, and experience working within the Victoria WorkCover scheme or similar scheme
• Experience leading a team of professionals within a complex legislative framework
• Management experience in a large, or complex organisation is desirable
• Experience working within the Public or Private Sector at the senior or management level is highly regarded
• 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)
• Strong interpersonal skills with a strong client-service orientation and willingness to support internal and external stakeholders
• Genuine capacity for empathy towards others along with a willingness to listen and respond accordingly

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 who are invested in you

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

Help Victorians find a way forward
As a Project Integration Manager, 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

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