Principal Adviser, Workplace Relations

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time / Ongoing

Organisation: Department of Health

**Salary**: $134,593 - $180,115

Occupation: Human Resources

Reference: VG/DH/POLR/PRINADVISOR

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 Principal Adviser, Workplace Relations will provide a hands-on, solution-focused approach to resolving complex workplace relations matters and taking an advanced role in identifying emerging workplace relations risks and actively intervening to promote positive outcomes for the department. Through the provision of high level, authoritative and sound advice, the role will also play an important role in partnering with internal stakeholders to provide advice, support and drive strategic change across a range of employment related matters to ensure standard compliance, risk mitigation and best practice.

This position is responsible for developing significant employment related policy, including preparing and coordinating detailed and complex reports and briefings, responding to correspondence, undertaking research and leading employment-related projects. They are also responsible for developing and reviewing HR policies and providing policy advice and supporting leaders across the department to manage complex and confidential workplace relations issues.

**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.

**Suitable applicants will be able to demonstrate**:
**Knowledge and Skills**

Problem Solving - Resolves issues through deep understanding or interpretation of existing guidelines. Where guidelines are not available, analyses ideas available and takes action through self, or in consultation with others to resolve problems. If required, determine additional information needed to make informed decisions. Applies critical thinking and problem-solving concepts in the right context.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement - Review, analyse and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Continuous improvements are achieved by offering suggestions and ideas and encouraging others to do the same, particularly stakeholders and end-users. Innovative and solution focused thinking is at the centre of project design.

**Qualifications / Specialist Expertise**

Qualifications - A tertiary qualification in employment law, human resources, industrial relations or other relevant field and/or demonstrated experience in developing and implementing employment-related strategies preferably within a government environment will be highly regarded.
- Knowledge of current industrial relations issues as they relate to the health services field, industrial legislation, industrial tribunals and enterprise agreements would be highly desirable.
- Proven ability in providing industrial relations advice and as an industrial relations researcher, negotiator and advocate would be highly 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 & Sector.
- 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 date.

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