About the Opportunity

The Health and Safety Partner contributes to ensuring that Griffith University has a capable, engaged and productive workforce that is fit to deliver its strategic and operational goals, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory and industrial requirements.  

The Health and Safety Partner will apply their expertise and judgment to identify and evaluate Health and Safety risks appropriate mitigation strategies.  The Health and Safety Partner achieves this by working collaboratively with their respective client area to design, embed and evaluate fit-for-purpose safety systems and processes. 

The Health and Safety Partner will be embedded/co-located in the primary client group/element/central or corporate services location(s) to further underpin the partnering role through being present, visible and accessible at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support and assistance to the Senior Health and Safety Manager, in embedding a sustainable, positive and effective safety culture across the University (as part of the Safety Management Framework) that is reflected in a significant uplift in organisational safety maturity over time. 
• Coordinate and liaise with the H&S specialist teams for the provision of specialist advice and services into the client portfolio.
• Provide professional advice and problem solving support to managers across the University to assist in management of complex issues relating to health and safety risk management. 
• Undertake audits, inspections and walk throughs with clients, and where required supported by specialists and working with clients to develop and implement solutions to identified hazards and risks.
• Proactively identify, implement and manage safety-related initiatives with clients, including policy review, processes and standards and education.  
• Provision of timely, reliable, consistent safety performance metrics and reporting to managers to support decision making and effective management of safety risk. 
• Conduct timely health and safety incident investigations identifying root cause and learnings as well as developing and implementing solutions with clients. 
• Document and advise on appropriate corrective action and control measures and early intervention services and follow up on progress with implementation. 
• Escalate key safety risks, incidents or issues to the Senior Health and Safety Manager, as appropriate. 
• Maintain an understanding of current and emerging legislation and be able to provide advice, analysis, interpretation, recommendations and/or decisions regarding legislative issues to clients across the University. 
• Build effective professional relationships and facilitate effective communication with clients and external stakeholders. 
• Promote compliance with relevant legislation and University policies and procedures, including diversity and safety and exhibit good practice. 
• Be a leading example of the principles and values embodied in the University’s Code of Conduct, and behave, act and communicate at all times to reflect fairness, ethics and professionalism. 

About you

• Experience in a research or laboratory field will be highly regarded.
• The occupant of this position will hold relevant tertiary qualifications in Occupational Safety & Health and subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and experience. 

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and may be subject to a National criminal history check.

What we can offer

This is a continuing opportunity and will be based at our Gold Coast campus.  As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other campuses.

HEW 7 Salary – Base range - $96,669.80 - $104,731.27 + 17% super. Full package range - $113,103.66 - $122,535.58.

Why join Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Opportunities for internal mobility
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

How to apply

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected]

Closing date: Wednesday 11th December @ 11:59PM.

All applications must be submitted online.

How you’ll be making an impact in people’s lives

• Undertaking field visits to employers to complete occupational health and safety assessments
• Complete consultations with Directors, Health and Safety Representatives and other employees
• Develop Safety Actions Plans
• Providing ongoing support to small employers to ensure actions are being implemented
• Undertake community outreach to engage with small employers to participate in our service