Disciplinary Review and Adjudication Officer

**Department for Education**

**Job reference**: 501048

**Location**: 5000 - ADELAIDE

**Job status**: Long Term Contract

**Eligibility**: Open to Everyone

**Why work with us**

We’re building a public education system which is genuinely recognised as world-class - where every preschool and school is great and where there is growth for every child and student.

We are one team, state-wide. Everyone in public education works together, united behind our vision because what we're doing today will improve the futures of children in South Australia.

We’re making a difference so South Australia thrives.

**About this role**

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Incident Management Directorate (IMD), Disciplinary Review and Adjudication Officers are responsible for conducting disciplinary processes in line with standards and principles of natural justice and procedural fairness and preparing briefings and documents that are capable of withstanding internal and external scrutiny in line with organisational and government policy, common law and legislative standards.

**What you will do**
- The Disciplinary Review and Adjudication Officer case manages disciplinary processes arising from investigations into suspected or alleged misconduct by employees, in accordance with legislative and related Government/departmental requirements and policies.
- Provides expert advice and consultation services related to employee misconduct to a range of clients based on knowledge of legislation, Government and/or departmental policy and procedures.
- Assessing evidence in respect of suspected or alleged employee misconduct, including that arising from investigations; and seeking, analysing and interpreting legal advice where necessary.
- Undertaking adjudications of evidence and providing high level advice to the Chief Executive or a delegate in respect of suspected or alleged employee misconduct; including what options are reasonably open to them as decision maker.
- Developing and maintaining co-operative working relationships and representing the Department in interactions with other government agencies and bodies by maintaining liaison with particularly the Crown Solicitor's Office and Teachers Registration Board, and employee representative groups such as the Australian Education Union (SA Branch) and Public Service Association of South Australia.
- Providing instruction and representation on behalf of the Department at disciplinary or administrative proceedings before an appropriate commission, board or tribunal; Acting as a representative for the Department with the Advising Section within the Crown Solicitor's Office to discuss and resolve legal and procedural issues regarding employee conduct matters and disciplinary actions.
- Manages a complex case load of disciplinary and adjudication files including all correspondence, briefings recommendations to the Chief Executive and relevant delegates including the Chief Operating Officer.
- Model a high standard of personal integrity and conduct.
- Contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment by taking personal accountability by identifying and reporting incidents, hazards and injuries in accordance with departmental policy & procedure and cooperating and complying with reasonable instructions of department line management and Work Health Safety officers.

**The capabilities you will bring (key competencies)**
- High level interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with exceptional ability to develop and maintain relationships with a diverse range of people, represent the department with professional competence.
- High competent in negotiating and managing conflict and ability to provide high level advice and act in a consultative manner where necessary.
- Highly competent in the independent management of a significant caseload and in exercising high levels of independent judgement on complex, sensitive and highly confidential disciplinary proceedings and developing high quality recommendations related to adjudication.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct expert, high level and complex research and analysis and proven ability to interpret industrial instruments, legislation, case law precedence and/or legal advice to formulate advice.
- Proven ability to demonstrate initiative and motivation to work independently and as a member of a high functioning team whilst maintaining resilience in a challenging environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to promoting and creating a safe and inclusive work environment, and the legislative requirements of Equal Opportunity and Work Health Safety legislation.

**Selection Criteria**:
As per attached PD and below

**Desirable**:

- Legal or Para Legal experience
- Adjudication, Complaints Resolution
- Legal Services or Law Degree/Qualification
- Knowledge of the Intersectoral Protective Practices for staff in their interactions with children and young people guidelines, the Code of Ethics for the South