Comcare has 1 x 6 month and 1 x 12 month non-ongoing vacancy available for APS 6 Legal Advisers in the Regulatory Legal team, in Melbourne. Full-time / Part-time (Part-time employment will be considered based on the operational requirements)
Overview of the Team
The Regulatory Legal team provides advice and support to Comcare’s regulatory activities, including investigations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) and criminal prosecutions for alleged offences against the WHS Act.
The team supports the Regulatory Operations Group by:
- Providing advice and guidance on evidence gathering, the issuing of statutory notices and investigation procedures (investigations).
- Reviewing and advising on briefs of evidence (prosecutions).
- Working closely with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and the informant when a prosecution is commenced.
- Facilitating continuous improvement projects and identifying trends and capability opportunities for inspectors.
Overview of the Role
As a Legal Adviser, you will work closely with Senior Legal Advisers in performing their roles to provide legal support to investigations, inspections and other regulatory activities conducted under the WHS Act and assisting with the conduct of prosecutions commenced under that Act. The Legal Adviser will work under limited direction and is responsible for providing client-focused specialist legal and strategic advice and support to Comcare staff on complex legal and policy matters, resolving problems and managing risk effectively. The Legal Adviser will manage their workload in a manner consistent with the APS Values and Code of Conduct, the Legal Services Directions 2017, and internal Comcare procedures.
In this role your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Managing a caseload of complex legal and strategic matters regarding work health and safety law, evidence law and criminal procedure matters related to WHS Act investigations and prosecutions.
- Developing and maintaining internal and external relationships that manage risk for Comcare.
- Drafting reports and/or briefs to Comcare’s Senior Executive, updating Legal Group reporting documents, contributing to business planning, and formulating recommendations on legal and policy issues.
- Promoting workplace safety, equity and diversity and environment practices in the workplace.
Qualifications and Experience
Mandatory:
- Undergraduate degree in law.
- Admission as a legal practitioner of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory (3 years or more post admission experience is desirable).
- Current Practising Certificate or ability to obtain one within 3 months.
Desirable:
- Experience in providing investigation support and conducting prosecutions in a criminal law or regulatory environment will be highly regarded.
Eligibility and Specific Conditions of Employment
- Australian citizenship.
- Character clearance (Australian Criminal History Check).
- Employee health declaration.
- Six months probationary period for new engagements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance.
How to apply
Please review the Job Information Pack below and provide a statement of claims with your responses outlining what you could bring to this position including your skills, experience and knowledge relevant to the job specific capabilities and role approximately 750 words (not exceeding one page).
Please note: The vacancy closes at 11:59pm, Australian Eastern Daylight Time (Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney time). If you experience any issues with submitting your application, please contact recruitment@comcare.gov.au