Who we are
The People Division works in partnership to deliver strategic and operational workforce services that enable organisational capability. This includes integrity; conduct; fraud and corruption; performance management; rehabilitation management; recruitment; learning and development; inclusion and diversity; workforce planning and analytics; workplace relations; people support; culture and change; and workplace health and safety.
The Safety, Antarctic & Parks Branch has several key responsibilities:
• Strategic People Partner support - work in partnership with the Executive team within the Australian Antarctic Division and Parks Australia to provide Strategic People Partner services to develop and deliver a suite of strategic HR strategies which are aligned to both their transformational plans and the department’s broader strategy and HR framework.
• HSW for all of DAWE - develop and implement the department’s HSW strategic plan aimed at building a positive safety culture across the department, while ensuring that we meet our HSW obligations and provide a safe place of work for all our people to thrive. The HSW function operates under a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model - recognising the critical and interdependent nature of each team within the function to achieving successful health, safety, and wellbeing solutions, keeping our people safe, and ensuring that safety is at the centre of all we do.
The HSW Hub designs and manages the department’s enterprise (HSW) Management System and WHS Information System to minimize the risk of injury and illness. We coach and guide our people on WHS matters and provide WHS advice and support for each division. The HSW Operations Section is responsible for the consistent implementation of HSW systems, strategy and standards across all Groups and Divisions. Our operational team are the ‘boots on the ground’ who play a pivotal role in enabling the department to have a unified approach to implementing HSW by providing oversight, guidance, and support to front-line HSW staff, managers and SES.
The Job
As the HSW Assistant Director – Occupational Psychologist, you will report to the HSW Strategy and Performance Director. You will apply your knowledge of evidence-based practice and contemporary understanding of health, safety and wellbeing in designing, implementing, and evaluating a broad range of HSW programs and initiatives in an effort to prevent harm to employees through effective management of psychosocial risk. You will act as a trusted advisor for HSW strategies and approaches relating to employee mental health and wellbeing, working collaboratively with HSW Directors, managers and advisors. You will be joining a large and dynamic HSW function who are passionate about safety and who support a diverse department with a unique risk profile. Your approach to HSW communication will inspire a sense of purpose and direction within your team and DAWE, facilitate information sharing and enable the business to align their practices with the department’s HSW strategies. The role will not be required to provide clinical treatment to employees or direct client services.
You will be responsible for, but not limited to:
• applying specialist psychological knowledge of best practice standards relating to employee wellbeing, conflict resolution, organisational systems and structure, mental health initiatives and strategies, and leadership development
• providing expert advice and guidance on matters relating to mental health, wellbeing, and psychosocial risk to HSW Directors, managers and advisors
• promoting effective and evidence-based approach to identifying, assessing, monitoring, and addressing psychosocial risks and hazards, as per relevant legislation and contemporary methodologies
• providing technical advice, support and mentoring to Group and Division executives on the implementation of best practice approaches for supporting our people’s mental health and wellbeing
• informing the creation of systems, structures and frameworks that enable the HSW function to effectively respond to critical incidents relating to mental health and wellbeing within the workforce
• providing insight and guidance on evidence based HSW initiatives that promote positive mental health and wellbeing to support our people to thrive
• supporting Groups and Divisions during times of increased pressure, such as during times of change, staff conflict and after critical incidents to ensure mental health and wellbeing are considered as part of change processes
• leading the delivery of initiatives under the department’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Work Location
We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To seek further information please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application.
What we are looking for Knowledge and experience
• Experience applying psychological principles in a Health and Safety context, ideally within a Commonwealth Government department.
• A working understanding of the Work Health Safety Act 2011 (Cth), Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth), Work Health Safety Codes of Practice (Cth), and relevant Australian Standards, and their application in a Commonwealth Government environment.
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in a comparable role, with experience leading others.
Skills and capabilities
You will have the ability to:
• think strategically, applying problem solving and decision-making skills to resolve complex issues involving multiple stakeholders
• adapt and work flexibly and effectively in times of uncertainty or major change
• apply professional judgement in potentially ambiguous circumstances, exercising a significant degree of independence while factoring in critical risks
• consider a diverse range of stakeholder needs, accounting for the broad range of operational and cultural contexts in which DAWE and their employees operate with sensitivity and appropriate care
• communicate clearly in both written and verbal forms, to employees’ of diverse skillsets, language and cultural backgrounds
• foster a mindset of continuous improvement within yourself and those you lead, undertaking professional development and training as needed
• apply psychologist specialist knowledge in an organisational setting to mitigate risk, enable effective recovery and promote positive mental health and wellbeing
• mentor and develop leaders, enabling them to promote mental health and wellbeing within their teams
• respond to critical incidents remotely, providing support to geographically dispersed teams
• collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders to build awareness, understanding and commitment to promoting mental health and wellbeing initiatives
• influence, persuade and advocate for strategies, solutions and approaches that are evidence-based
• demonstrate professionalism, impartially, and integrity in dealing with others and managing sensitive information
• balance ethical standards and maintain professional boundaries within the role.
Mandatory qualifications
• Approved area of Practice endorsement as an Organisational Psychologist or hold general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
• Psychology degree. Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
Job Reference: 2022/1943
