Senior Industrial Relations Consultant, People and Culture

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on
supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with
communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and
wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role: 

The Senior Industrial Relations Consultant will provide a hands-on, solution-focused approach to assisting with complex public health sector workplace relations matters and contributing to enterprise bargaining negotiations. The role will provide specialist industrial relations advice, identify emerging risks and develop practical solutions to promote positive industrial outcomes.

This role is organisationally located within the Health Sector Industrial Relations Unit of the People and Culture Branch. While the role is predominantly about supporting the representation of the Victorian government in public health sector enterprise bargaining, the role will require (on occasion) alternative duties to be undertaken within the broader branch.

About us: 

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.  

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. 

About you:

Main Accountabilities Include:

• Provide strategic input to the interpretation of government policies, legislation and industrial relations initiatives, including contributing to the review, development and implementation of policies and procedures designed to implement industrial agreements and legislation.
• Provide sound, strategic advice on a broad range of industrial relations issues and other major risk factors impacting on the achievement of effective industrial relations outcomes. 
• Contribute to the conduct of enterprise bargaining activities, including undertaking preparatory research and developing stances for the bargaining agenda. Support negotiations with unions and employers and liaise within and across departments on industrial relations matters.
• Undertake research and analysis of industrial relations issues, including complex matters. Prepare briefs, submissions and supporting material and support advocacy in industrial tribunals.

Qualification(s): 

A tertiary qualification in employment law, human resources, industrial relations or other relevant field is desirable.

Specialist Expertise:

• Experience in enterprise bargaining and providing advice on industrial relations legislation and enterprise agreements would be highly desirable.
• Knowledge of current industrial relations issues as they relate to the health services field would be desirable.

What we offer: 

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing dat e. 

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at [email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to participation in recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email [email protected]. Please note that unsolicited applications from third parties cannot be accepted. If you have questions regarding the role, please message the contact person listed on the advertisement directly.  

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in line with our .