Union Assist is an initiative of Victorian Trades Hall Council, with the support of funding from the Victorian WorkCover Authority.

Union Assist provides information, assistance and representation to union members on WorkCover. Advice and assistance is provided with disputes, preparation for conciliation and arbitration, and representation at conciliation conferences and arbitration hearings. Members of unions affiliated with VTHC are able to use the services of Union Assist subject to protocols agreed with the affiliated union.

A number of unions already provide support and representation for members with Workcover disputes, ancillary support is provided to those unions.

DUTIES

The Conciliation / Arbitration Adviser is responsible for providing advice to workers about the conciliation and arbitration process and assisting them at conciliation conferences and arbitration hearings. Specific duties include:

• Assisting union members with lodging applications for conciliation and requests for arbitration;
• Interviewing workers about their WorkCover disputes;
• Evaluating cases and helping workers to prepare for conciliation and arbitration;
• Acting as an assistant for workers at conciliation conferences and representation at arbitration hearings;
• Directly contacting insurers to resolve disputes when appropriate;
• Maintaining communication with the unions regarding their members’ cases;
• Liaison with the Workplace Injury Commission, insurers, employers, rehabilitation providers, solicitors, medical practitioners and community organisations;
• Referring workers to solicitors where appropriate;
• Preparing reports for unions on completion of cases;
• Maintaining records on cases handled;
• Advice and preparation of applications to WCIRS (Workers Compensation Internal Review Service);
• General advice and assistance regarding incident reporting, claim process, decision making and advice regarding entitlements under the relevant Act;
• Making presentations to Unions and other stakeholders regarding particular issues and/or general Workcover information; and
• Some intrastate travel may be required.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

The applicant must demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• A well developed and demonstrated commitment to unionism and ability to work co-operatively with the broad range of affiliates of Victorian Trades Hall Council;
• A strong and demonstrated commitment to the rights of workers to occupational health and safety, and adequate compensation and rehabilitation for work related injury or illness;
• Extensive knowledge and experience of worker’s entitlements under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act/Accident Compensation Act and the WorkCover conciliation and arbitration processes and an ability apply the Act in the analysis of individual cases;
• A well developed and demonstrated understanding of the issues affecting injured workers, including particular issues affecting women and migrant workers in the WorkCover conciliation and arbitration processes;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• A well developed and demonstrated ability to work with the Workplace Injury Commission, plaintiff lawyers, medical practitioners, rehabilitation providers and a broad range of community groups and organisations;
• Experience in assisting/representing workers at WorkCover Conciliation conferences, arbitration hearings or similar Alternative Dispute Resolution forums;
• Demonstrated ability to read and analyse medical reports;
• Understanding of occupational health and safety and the potential contribution of employment to injury and illness;
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate cases and make judgements about possible outcomes and the need for legal involvement;
• Demonstrated ability to organise busy work flow and conflicting priorities and meet strict deadlines;
• Ability to work on own initiative with limited direction, as well as part of a team;
• Demonstrated ability to work with interpreters;
• A current Victorian Driver’s License; and
• Computer literacy.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Conciliation / Arbitration Adviser is responsible to the Co-ordinator on a day to day basis.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

The person should be assertive and confident in dealing with all levels of people and bureaucracies. A high level of initiative is required. Fluency in a second language would be highly regarded.

The position is based at Trades Hall in Carlton, Victoria, and will report to the Secretary through the Union Assist Coordinator. Attractive salary package - Level 8 - $113,985.76, including a monthly RDO and 12% superannuation.

Women and people from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, are strongly encouraged to apply.

A statement of reasonable adjustments is available on request for people with a disability.