Whs Risk and Wellness Specialist

**The** **WHS Risk & Wellness Specialist** will help to develop and implement a Synod wellbeing program which will include support, education and guidance on wellbeing, workplace health and safety and understanding to safeguard ministry agents, staff, volunteers and committees.

**The Purpose of the role is to**:

- Promote a positive safety and risk-aware culture across the Synod.
- Co-ordinate Workers Compensation, Rehabilitation, and the Safety and Accident Prevention Program (SAAPP), and other wellness programs
- Conduct WHS risk related audits and identification of risk improvement suggestions.
- Foster effective consultation and communication on safety and wellness matters

**Selection criteria**:
**Qualifications**:

- Tertiary qualifications in Workplace Health & Safety / Occupational Safety or related discipline
- Accreditation as a Workplace Health & Safety Officer
- Accreditation as a Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Coordinator (RRTWC)
- Lead Auditor in WHS systems is desirable. (ability to conduct ICAM related investigations)

**Experience and skills**:

- Is capable and comfortable with complexity and ambiguity, rapidly learns and applies new skills and is successful in first time challenging situations.
- Experience in Mental Health First Aid and the delivery of organisational wellness programs.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, develop and coordinate effective programs ensuring quality outcomes in line with budgetary requirements.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain relationships and engage with a range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience in the development and effective delivery of training programs to achieve specified quality learning outcomes.
- Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and work effectively both autonomously and as a member of a small team.

**Key responsibilities**:
**Health and Wellness Program**
- Co-Ordinate health and wellness programs and services according to organisational requirements in line with budgetary considerations.
- Implementation of a Synod wide Wellness Strategy and targeted programs that will help to reduce risk in relation to staff and ministry agent’s wellness and shape behavioural change that is sustainable and positively adds to the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod’s purpose?
- Engage and partner with external providers to incentivize engagement with wellness programs.
- Coordinate the following Health & Wellness programs:

- Safety and Accident Prevention Program (SAAPP)
- Workcover
- Millard Smith Bequest
- Work alongside stakeholders within the Church, to scope, advise and seek endorsement on wellness program strategies, content and activities that meet overall organisational needs.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement ongoing campaigns to promote awareness and participation in wellness programs and related activities.
- Regularly provide reports and updates to the General Manager - Risk & Safeguarding (and when required to the Synod’s Audit & Risk Management Committee) on the effectiveness of the Wellness Strategy and associated programs.
- Maintain records of activity, attendance and participation in wellness programs and activities and provide analysis on data collected.

**Workplace Health & Safety**
- Maintain the safety management system, ensuring processes align with WHS best practice and compliance with legislative obligations.
- Monitor and promote positive safety performance indictors and build individual capabilities to encourage and motivate business leaders to actively maintain safe work environments and safe people.
- Identify trends and issues impacting Health & Safety and provide operational guidance, technical expertise and support to address issues with relevant stakeholders.
- Collaborate, through proactive consultation and communication, to foster a culture of safety and wellbeing.
- Develop and deliver training modules and packages to employees, contractors etc. in accordance with Workplace Health & Safety legislative requirements.
- Maintain and continuously improve effective injury/illness management, workers compensation and recover at work processes across the Office of the Synod and Presbyteries
- Undertake WHS related site audits, including site inspections, and provide reports and action plans to ensure that the Church continues to monitor and maintain legislative obligations regarding Workplace health and safety.
- Conduct investigations into workplace injuries, work caused illness and dangerous events in the workplace to identify where improvements can be made to the WHS systems and environment of the Church.