Freedom of Information Officer

**Work in an environment that offers**:

- Support for career progression and development
- An opportunity to work with a leading regional health service
- A dynamic and growing health service that embraces new technologies

**The Position**

**Job Reference**: 1600

**Position Title**:Freedom of Information Officer
**Classification**:HS3
**Salary per hour (exc. super)**: $37.67
**Hours per fortnight**:80
**Employment Status**:Ongoing Full time (Ongoing Part Time considered)

**Closing date**:11/12/2024

The role of the Freedom of Information Officer is to process all FOI requests received by Bendigo Health in accordance with relevant legislation. They are also the point of contact for internal and external enquiries relating to privacy and Freedom of Information.

This role also manages requests for information received at Bendigo Health for other information release, including Subpoenas, Coroners, Police and DHHS within the legislative requirements and timeframes as specified under the relevant Act.

The FOI Officer will also contribute to Privacy & Confidentiality policies and processes at Bendigo Health.

**Key Responsibilities**

Administer the Freedom of Information and release of information process as follows:

- Assess and evaluate all requests received by Bendigo Health for applicants to access information for both corporate and clinical information;
- Complete all requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and/or relevant Acts as required within legislated timeframes;
- Make decisions regarding the release of information for requests received for Acute, Subacute and Psychiatric services and where necessary seek advice of legal representative or Deputy CMO;
- Adhere to the FOI Professional Standards and provide advice to the organisation to ensure Bendigo Health are compliant with all standards;
- Attend to all incoming telephone enquiries and presentations relating to release of information;
- Prepare monthly reports for Executive;
- Prepare the annual Freedom of Information report for the FOI Commissioner;
- Coordinate and prepare all documents held in paper or electronic format for clinical and non-clinical requests;
- Prepare necessary correspondence and invoices to applicant for fees associated with the identification and production of documents;
- Maintain the database for Freedom of Information and other information requests.

**Other duties**
- Process all Subpoenas, Coroners, Police, DHS child protection requests and Centrelink requests and liaise with staff from these Departments;
- Provide information to staff members in relation to release of information and privacy issues;
- Provide input for the on-line privacy training module and education;
- Contribute and present privacy awareness training programs, when required as well as promote the annual Privacy Awareness Week for Bendigo Health;
- Review privacy training and ensure Bendigo Health’s legislative requirements are adhered to;
- Review privacy, release of information and confidentiality policies as required and provide advice on any updates or changes necessary;
- Monitor, improve where indicated and report on Bendigo Health’s legislative compliance to the Privacy Act, Health Records Act and the Freedom of Information Act;
- Attend Freedom of Information education forums as required;

**Working with Bendigo Health**

Bendigo Health are a leader in regional health care, combining outstanding services with a strong education, training and personal development culture.

Created by our community in the 1850s, we have a long, proud history of delivering excellent care to our community.

Our organisation is diverse, welcoming and committed to delivering our vision of Excellent Care. Every Person, Every Time.

Bendigo Health has around 5000 staff and a catchment area covering a quarter of the size of Victoria. The three main campuses of Bendigo Health are in Bendigo, with many services extended to regional settings including areas such as Mildura, Echuca, Swan Hill, Kyneton and Castlemaine.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits for our staff, including:

- Staff health and wellbeing programs
- Career development and education opportunities
- Generous salary packaging opportunities, to increase your take-home pay each fortnight
- Flexible Working Arrangements
- Use of staff gym and pool and access to other fitness facilities through fitness passport program

If successful for a position at Bendigo Health you must provide evidence of your full immunisation record as part of the on boarding process.

**Your New Division**

The Finance and Resources Division is responsible for financial functions, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, performance monitoring and analysis, together with our procurement, materials management and facilities management functions. The division also includes Health Information Services with key roles in medical record management, clinical documentation, freedom of information, and exte