Job Description

Health & Safety Specialist – Lead, Implement & Embed OHS Practices

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne is seeking a hands-on Health and Safety Specialist to lead, implement and embed OHS practices across our head offices and parish communities.

This is a part time role (0.6 FTE / 3 days per week) offered on a 2-year fixed term contract. Reporting to the HR Operations & Talent Manager, you’ll be a valued member of our HR team and work closely with our HR Business Partners.

This role provides expert guidance and practical support to leaders, parish priests, staff, and volunteers. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring legislative compliance, reducing risk, shaping a strong safety culture, and upholding our duty of care to all people who enter our workplaces.

About the opportunity

In this newly shaped role, you will:

• Lead the rollout and ongoing maintenance of OHS policies, procedures, and frameworks across the Chancery and parishes.
• Conduct inspections, audits, and risk assessments to identify hazards and assess compliance.
• Develop and oversee corrective action plans to address risks and non compliance.
• Design and deliver practical OHS training for leaders, parish priests, staff, and volunteers.
• Educate and support staff and parish communities on safe work practices, hazard identification, and emergency responses including direct liaison with regulators where required.
• Facilitate workshops, meetings, and forums to build capability and drive consistent safety practices.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, and near misses in line with legislative and organisational requirements.
• Travel regularly, engaging directly with parish teams to provide practical, on the ground safety support.

What you’ll bring

• Tertiary qualification in Occupational Health and Safety or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing health and safety programs in complex or decentralised environments.
• Strong working knowledge of Victorian OHS legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Confidence as a trainer and facilitator, with the ability to educate, influence, and build capability across varied groups.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders including clergy, volunteers, and staff.
• Willingness and ability to travel to parish sites as part of regular duties.

How to Apply

If you believe your skills and experience align with this position, we would love to hear from you. To submit an application, please click apply and provide a copy of your current resume and a cover letter.

Please note: We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Employment is subject to satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check, Working with Children Check and Reference Checks. To be successful in this role you must hold valid working rights in Australia.

The Archdiocese is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all children and vulnerable adults.