Job Description

About Children's Ground

Children’s Ground is a First Nations organisation. The Children’s Ground Approach is designed and delivered through the leadership of First Nations people. We are committed to systems change to ensure dignity, justice and equity for all children and families. Our work focuses on national reform as well as evidencing a new way of working.

The Children’s Ground Approach is a whole of community, whole of life approach. We privilege First Nations knowledge systems and practice. Over the course of a generation, led by local expertise, we create and deliver an integrated system that is centred on learning, development and wellbeing that responds to the child and their family through the key transition points from pre-birth to young adulthood.

Our approach recognises the cultural, social, and economic strength of our communities. We build on this over a generation to ensure a future for our children and grandchildren that gives them freedom, opportunity and rights to their culture and identity.

Children’s Ground operates in Central Australia and across the Top End, with support provided by a Melbourne-based Shared Services team.

About you

You will have demonstrated experience in developing and implementing WH&S policies and programs with strong knowledge of legislation, risk management and best practice. You will need to have ability to work in culturally sensitive environments and have an understanding of the needs and challenges faced by First Nations communities.

About the role

The WHS and Policy & Procedure Officer plays a key role in ensuring compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulations and the effective development, implementation, and review of organisational policies and procedures. The position is responsible for providing WHS leadership, guidance, and support across all operational locations, while also overseeing the continuous improvement and governance of policies and procedures. The role requires a strong understanding of regulatory requirements, risk management, and organisational best practices. A critical component of this role is ensuring that policies and WHS procedures reflect and support the cultural needs of First Nations peoples. The position is based in Central Australia but has responsibilities extending to the Top End and the Shared Office in Melbourne. It is anticipated that WHS will account for 50% of the role and Policy work will be 50%.

Key Responsibilities

Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) – 50%

• Develop, implement, and maintain WH&S policies, procedures, and programs to ensure compliance with national and local legislation.
• Conduct WH&S risk assessments and audits across all operational locations and provide recommendations for improvements.
• Lead incident investigations, develop corrective action plans, and maintain WH&S reporting and records.
• Coordinate and deliver WH&S training and awareness programs for employees and management, ensuring a culturally appropriate approach for First Nations staff and communities.
• Support managers and staff in meeting their WH&S obligations, providing advice on hazard identification, risk management, and injury prevention.
• Act as the primary point of contact for WH&S compliance and liaise with regulatory bodies as required.
• Monitor and analyse WH&S trends, ensuring continuous improvement and best practice implementation.
• Support the development of WH&S committees in CA and the Top End, once established the role will be responsible for the facilitation of WH&S committee meetings and engagement activities to promote a safety-first culture, including culturally responsive engagement strategies for First Nations staff.
• Work with key internal stakeholders to prepare risk management plans for relevant activities, including traditional cultural practices, camps, working in extreme heat, fleet management and safety, and day-to-day program delivery.
• Establish manage and report on corrective actions register, ensuring timely implementation of corrective measures.

Policy & Procedure Development – 50%

• Develop, review, and update organisational policies and procedures to align with legislative requirements and operational needs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure policies and procedures support business objectives and are effectively implemented.
• Ensure policies and procedures incorporate cultural safety principles and reflect the specific needs of First Nations communities and employees.
• Maintain a centralised policy and procedure register, ensuring accessibility and version control.
• Provide advice and guidance on policy interpretation and compliance for staff at all levels.
• Conduct regular policy audits and gap analyses to identify areas requiring updates or new policies.
• Lead consultation processes with relevant internal and external stakeholders, ensuring appropriate engagement with First Nations leaders and representatives.
• Support communication and training initiatives to enhance understanding and adherence to policies and procedures, ensuring inclusivity for First Nations employees.
• Assist in coordinating governance frameworks and document control systems

Key Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Relevant qualifications in WH&S, Policy & Governance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing WH&S policies and programs in a multi-location organisation.
• Strong knowledge of WH&S legislation, risk management principles, and best practices.
• Experience in policy and procedure development, governance, and implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to work in culturally sensitive environments and an understanding of the needs and challenges faced by First Nations communities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and provide sound advice at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively across multiple locations.
• High-level organisational and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and WH&S management systems.

What we offer

Salary Classification: Children's Ground EBA Level 7 $126,305 (pro-rata) + 12% superannuation + bonus leave

Salary Sacrifice options to increase take home pay (dependant on individual circumstances)

A collaborative, purpose driven organisation contributing to First Nations led systems change

How to Apply

We invite you to walk with us on this unique journey. To apply, please submit your current resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant skills.

The preferred candidate will be required to undertake relevant pre-employment checks, including a National Police Check and Working with Children Clearance (NT).

In line with our workforce development strategy, Children's Ground strongly encourages and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.