Deputy Internal Ombudsman

Cumberland Council • Auburn, WA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Internal Ombudsman Shared Service (IOSS) reports directly to the IOSS Management Committee comprising the member Councils of City of Parramatta, Cumberland City, and Inner West Councils. The IOSS provides residents, community members, ratepayers, local businesses, staff, Councillors, and other Council stakeholders with an ‘independent ear’ regarding complaints about administrative conduct; unethical behaviour by Council; corrupt conduct; misconduct; or maladministration. All operations of the IOSS are underpinned by the principles of procedural fairness; accountability; transparency; and fairness. The IOSS’s jurisdiction extends across the member Councils of the shared service. The Deputy Internal Ombudsman provides support for the Internal Ombudsman and all the functions of the Internal Ombudsman Shared Service. The role includes front-line complaint handling and management, undertaking complex and sensitive investigations, training to a variety of stakeholders and the provision of advice to stakeholders. The Deputy Internal Ombudsman is also required to assist the Internal Ombudsman with the delivery of good administrative conduct and decision- making and governance training and promotion of the IOSS.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications such as law, ethics, and business/HR management and/or significant relevant business experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to high level ethical principles and practices.
• Demonstrated high level experience in managing and conducting investigations, covering all aspects of the investigation process (including, but not limited to, planning, interviewing, report writing, brief preparation, contemporary evidence gathering techniques, and systems recommendations).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including complex report writing and evidence presentation.
• Demonstrated complaint handling ability and experience, including sound negotiation, consultation and dispute resolution skills.
• Experience in developing and/or delivering education and/or training in relation to conduct and probity-related areas.
• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, systems review and corruption prevention strategies and methodologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of administrative law principles relating to procedural fairness and workplace investigations.
• Knowledge of the key aspects of the interface between the Internal Ombudsman function and the relevant oversight/external agencies, including the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, the NSW Ombudsman, the NSW Office of Local Government, Audit Office of NSW and the NSW Police Force.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with competing priorities, across a variety of areas and a variety of legislation, in an environment of high demand, sensitivity and the requirement to maintain confidentiality.
• Understanding of equal employment opportunities, workplace health and safety and ethical practice principles and the ability to act with probity at all times.
• A valid Working with Children Check, or the ability to obtain prior to appointment.
• Class C driver’s licence.
• The right to live and work in Australia
• Be able to provide information for pre-employment checks required for the position, including attending a physical pre-employment medical examination as required
• Participate in health monitoring as outlined in the risk assessment for this position and Council’s Health Monitoring Procedure, as required.

Responsibilities

• Front-line complaint handling and management
• Undertaking complex and sensitive investigations
• Training to a variety of stakeholders
• Provision of advice to stakeholders
• Assist the Internal Ombudsman with the delivery of good administrative conduct and decision-making and governance training
• Promotion of the IOSS

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home opportunities or up to an additional five (5) days' leave for front-facing roles that are unable to access working from home arrangements
• Training and professional development opportunities available to develop skills and grow your career
• Leave entitlements including annual leave, 10 days personal leave and up to five (5) days of MyLeave per year, parental leave entitlements and access to Long Service Leave after five (5) years (where applicable)
• Three (3) additional grant days of paid leave over Christmas (where applicable)
• Corporate Health Insurance discounts
• Health and Wellbeing Programs to support our staff by providing access to online professional learning, paid leave to undertake annual skin checks, COVID-19 vaccinations and to donate blood
• Subsidies to assist with the cost of wellness and fitness activities
• Free access to Council owned and managed Aquatic Centres
• Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level