Risk and Claims Officer

Help strengthen Council's approach to risk and governance. This is an excellent opportunity for an analytical and solutions-focused professional to support continuous improvement and ensure sound risk and insurance management practices across the organisation. 

About Us

Working with us means more than just a job – it's an opportunity to make a real difference at a local level. We're a small but impactful council known for innovation, collaboration, and community connection. With around 160 dedicated employees, our team is passionate about delivering services that support the people and places that make our shire special.

Bellingen Shire is a picturesque and diverse area located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and just south of Coffs Harbour. Covering 1,605 square kilometres with around 10km of coastline, the region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty – from lush rainforests and pristine rivers to the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. Our towns and villages are known for their charm, creativity and strong community spirit.

Living and working here offers the perfect blend of lifestyle and purpose. With a focus on sustainability, cultural richness, and a warm, welcoming community, Bellingen Shire is an inspiring place to grow your career, enjoy work-life balance, and contribute to something meaningful.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Team Leader Governance Services, the Risk and Claims Officer is responsible for overseeing the ongoing implementation and operation of Council's enterprise risk management framework, as well as coordinating insurance and claims processes (excluding workers compensation and motor vehicles). The role supports compliance with legislative and standards requirements, ensures effective risk management across the organisation, and provides advice to managers and staff to minimise exposure and improve performance.

The ideal candidate will hold tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience in a relevant field, with recent demonstrated experience in a similar role - preferably within local government. You will bring a sound understanding of enterprise risk management frameworks, insurance coordination, and reporting processes.

Success in this role will require excellent communication and organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to analyse data to support risk-informed decision making. You will need to be confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels, managing confidential information with discretion, and meeting deadlines while maintaining high professional standards. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a commitment to continuous improvement will be essential.

On offer

Some of the benefits working for Bellingen Shire Council include:

• Access to Fitness Passport
• Access to employee wellbeing programs
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Salary packaging options
• Permanent full-time role, 35 hours per week with access to monthly rostered day off 

Annual salary of $84,315 to $96,116 (plus super). 

Still Have Questions? 

• For further information regarding this role please contact Lohraine Souza on
• For enquiries about the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team at  

Sponsorship/work rights for Australia

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.  To be eligible for a continuing role, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold Australian permanent residency. 

Temporary visa holders may be considered for a fixed-term appointment aligned with the duration of their visa, depending on the needs of the role and the business unit. 

How to Apply

Please read the Position Description by clicking the link at the bottom of this page to gain a full understanding of the responsibilities and requirements of the role. 

No candidate meets every single desired qualification or skill.  If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined but you believe you could add value to the role, we would love to learn more about you 

If this sounds like you, click the 'Apply for this job' button at the top of the page.  You will need to complete the application form and upload your current resume with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Applications close: Sunday, 30 November 2025 at 4pm

Important information

As part of the recruitment process, suitable candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening which can include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessments, psychometric testing, and drug and alcohol screening (where relevant to the role).  We may also review publicly available information (such as social media) and, with your consent, contact previous employers not listed on your application.

Our recruitment process is managed via system generated emails.  Please ensure your email address is entered correctly to avoid missing important updates and outcomes.  Notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, reference requests, and application outcomes.  Remember to check your email regularly, including your junk/spam folder.

Bellingen Shire Council is a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.

Bellingen Shire Council as an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidates of all ages, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and people who have lived experience of disability to apply to work with us.

 Bellingen Shire Council is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

 If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on or You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.