HR/IR jobs

Legal Counsel - Ethical Standards

About the Role

The Legal Counsel – Ethical Standards is part of a dynamic team within the Workplace Relations and Ethical Standards Department and is responsible for managing complaint files and issues and providing authoritative advice to FRV employees and members of the public.

Functional Accountabilities include:

• Apply specialised knowledge of complaints handling to workplace issues in a sensitive, prompt and confidential manner to progress matters towards resolution i.e workplace behaviour complaints, protected disclosures (including statutory role as Protected Disclosure Officer), complaints about EEO and privacy, workplace conflict issues, disciplinary matters, general grievances and complaints by members of the public;

• Work with senior leaders in an advisory capacity in relation to workplace behaviour investigations conducted pursuant to regulatory and/or industrial instruments and provide individual coaching, education and support to employees and managers in exploring available avenues for resolving their issues, including the internal provision of legal advice to senior managers;

• Maintain the FRV's register of workplace behaviour complaints, disciplinary issues and public complaints and provide high level management analysis on workplace issues and provide specialised advice on trends;

• Actively manage workplace related issues and assess new complaints that may include, leading negotiation and mediation, investigating and or providing individual coaching, education and support to employees and managers;

• Provide leadership and legal support to HR staff, the FRV legal office and FRV leaders. Liaise with third parties and authorities as required including external investigators and mediators, the Victorian Ombudsman, IBAC, Victoria Police, WorkSafe and manage the relationship with external providers to ensure quality outcomes.

About You

The successful applicant will have:

• Tertiary Qualification in Law;

• Current Practicing Certificate;

• Experience in dispute resolution;

• Ability to apply sound working knowledge of employees relations legislation and principals including ethical standards;

• Negotiating skills and demonstrated experience in working with a range of internal stakeholders at all levels of the organisation;

About Us

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) is a modern fire and rescue service that meets the needs of twenty-first century Victoria. Established on 1 July 2020 as part of Victoria's Fire Services Reform, FRV serves and protects communities across Melbourne and Victoria's major regional centres.

FRV values and respects workplace diversity. We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability and people who are diverse in gender and sexuality.

Our Benefits

By joining us, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact to the way the Workplace Relations and Ethical Standards Department operates into the future.

We strive to create a high quality working life for our community of valued employees.

Working with us provides:

• Uniquely rewarding work in the service of the Victorian community;

• Support for education, career and professional development;

• Attractive pay and conditions, including access to an RDO system;

• An unrivalled suite of physical and mental health and wellbeing support services.

How to Apply

Please apply via Seek by submitting a tailored cover letter and resume addressing the qualifications and work experience criteria listed.

Applications will be reviewed when received and suitable candidates will be contacted for interview at that time. You are encouraged to apply early to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity.

If you require any further information, please contact Hayley Atack, Recruitment Business Partner at Hayley.atack@frv.vic.gov.au

Important Information

To ensure FRV meets its vaccination requirements under the Pandemic COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Specified Workers) 2022 Order (No.2), as amended or replaced from time to time, FRV requires any FRV employee who is required to attend FRV worksites or undertake work for FRV outside of their place of residence to be fully vaccinated (boosted) or an excepted person in respect of whom the Fire Rescue Commissioner is satisfied that any health and safety risks associated with the excepted person’s attendance at an FRV worksite or undertaking work for FRV outside their ordinary place of residence are reduced so far as is reasonably practicable. Information to confirm your vaccination status and satisfy FRV’s above requirements will be required prior to commencement of any employment at FRV.