Organisational Context

The Health Services Union (HSU) is one of Australia’s fastest growing unions, with around 100,000 members. Our members are at the forefront of nation-changing initiatives such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), aged care and broader reforms to the public and mental health systems. The HSU is comprised of eight autonomous branches and the role of HSU National is to facilitate cross-branch coordination, which supports membership growth, and, by extension, the collective power of HSU members. Through this, we ensure that HSU members have a strong and powerful voice in the debates that shape their working lives and their communities.

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced and driven individual who can contribute to the union’s industrial advocacy work in the Fair Work Commission and other forums. The position will involve developing and implementing the industrial aspects of our strategic campaigns and building relationships with HSU branches and key external stakeholders (e.g., other unions, peak bodies, advocacy organisations, employers and politicians) to deliver on industrial outcomes for our members.

Working as part of a small team and reporting to the HSU National Secretary, the National Industrial Officer will support our national campaigns, including special cases to vary Modern Awards in the health and social care sectors, prepare cases and inquiry submissions and appear before industrial tribunals, courts, and parliamentary inquiries. The position also provides strategic industrial support and advice to HSU leadership and branches. For more information about the role, please refer to the attached position description.

Selection Criteria

• Highly developed problem solving and conceptual thinking skills.
• Demonstrated experience in industry advocacy, case preparation and presentation in the FWC and a sound working knowledge of the Australian industrial relations framework.
• Experience and knowledge of the current modern award system, objectives, and review processes.
• Outstanding writing skills, with demonstrated experience in preparing submissions, witness evidence and submissions to tribunals and government enquiries.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to quickly establish rapport and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• High-level desktop, qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values and underlying principles of the union movement, social justice, community development and equality.

Benefits

This is a full-time position. The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the HSU National Employee Agreement 2021 – 2024 which includes:

• Competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• 5 weeks annual leave.
• Monthly rostered day off.
• 12.5% superannuation

The position is based in our office in Carlton, Victoria with an option to work from home one day a week.

The successful applicant will be required to travel interstate and perform out-of-hours work on occasion.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, and appointment is conditional upon a successful reference check and a probationary period.

If you have questions about the role, please contact Ms Louise de Plater, National Industrial Officer, at [email protected] using the subject line: National Industrial Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs, or on 0429 928 192.

We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, LGBTGIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and mature-age people to apply.