Arbitration Dispute Resolution Officer

**Arbitration Dispute Resolution Officer**:
VIC - Melbourne CBD Workers Compensation Full Time

**WHY EML?**

At EML we share a common purpose of helping people get their lives back. We are growing our business and with this expansion a number of opportunities are now available.

With this growth now is a great time to join us.

We truly support each other and offer competitive benefits, flexible hours and work from home arrangements. We foster a learning culture that allows for us to continually invest in our employees ensuring a long-term career here at EML.

**_ Here are just some of the employee benefits we offer at EML:_**
- A diverse and collaborative team culture like no other
- Flexibility to work from home to support work/life balance
- A corporate wellbeing program with discounted health insurance and gym membership
- Generous discounts from over 350 retailers through our RewardsHub program
- Annual tenure and performance-based recognition rewards
- Comprehensive learning and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential
- Support and counselling services with work or personal matters through our Employee Assistance Program
- Companywide events to stay connected and celebrate success
- Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave, plus Super

**We stand together as equals. **EML is an equal opportunity employer so by coming to work for us, you’ll be part of a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion. We’re committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone feels valued and where we show respect, integrity and honesty.

**THE ROLE**

As part of our diverse team based in **Melbourne**, you’ll help make a positive impact on someone’s life every day. You’ll feel great satisfaction knowing your talent and hard work has a purpose.

This role will pro-actively assist in the management and, where possible, early resolution of disputes, ensuring positive outcomes are maximised.

Where disputes proceed to an arbitration hearing, the role requires the thorough review and evaluation of evidence, and to make submissions on facts and law, including cross-examination of witnesses.

This will be a **permanent, full time** position based in the **Melbourne** office with **flexibility to work from home.**

**YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Attend Work Injury Commission (WIC) as required, provide advice, review and evaluate evidence, negotiate settlements and make submissions of facts and law at arbitration hearings and conciliation conferences.
- Evaluate the merits of disputes, sustainability of the case and determine resolution strategies and actively participate in arbitration hearings and conciliation conferences to facilitate timely resolution of disputes.
- Gather and prepare evidence for arbitration hearings and conciliation conferences, including arranging and cross-examining witnesses when required. Prepare and deliver well-reasoned and clear oral and written submissions.
- Engage with all relevant internal and external stakeholders including regarding the nature of the dispute(s) and potential resolution outcomes for dispute.
- Engage with the worker/worker representative about the dispute(s) and, where appropriate, attempt early resolution in line with WorkSafe requirements, including key performance indicators, and authorisation level.
- Keeping up to date with case law and precedents affecting claims determinations and the scheme.

**ABOUT YOU**
- Bachelor of Laws or equivalent (preferred).
- Background in Victorian workers compensation disputation and litigation processes or in alternative dispute resolution.
- Strong engagement, negotiation, conflict resolution, people and stakeholder management skills and understanding of Victorian workers compensation stakeholder environment.
- Strong understanding of Victorian workers compensation legislation and case law, the Online Claims Manual and additional WorkSafe guidelines, processes and procedures, Ministerial Directions, and other relevant documentation applicable to claims management and alternative dispute resolution.
- Dispute resolution experience or familiarity with legal processes, including concepts of procedural fairness and knowledge of the rules of evidence.
- Highly approachable with excellent oral and written communication skills, including previous advocacy experience.