Investigator / Conciliator

The Australian Human Rights Commission (‘the Commission’) is Australia’s national human rights institution. Together we work towards an Australian society in which human rights are respected, protected and promoted – where every person is free and equal in dignity and rights.

Our purpose is to ensure that all Australians have access to effective, independent complaints handling and public inquiry processes on human rights and discrimination matters, and benefit from our human rights education, advocacy, monitoring and compliance activities.

The Investigation and Conciliation Service (the ICS) is responsible for inquiring into and attempting to resolve through conciliation complaints alleging unlawful discrimination or a breach of human rights under Australia’s federal anti-discrimination law. We provide information and education about human rights and responsibilities and provide an accessible, fair and impartial complaint handling service.

The ICS also manages the National Information Service and the Respect at Work Information Service. These services are national, trauma informed and provide information and referrals, including to support services. The services are free and confidential.

The Investigation and Conciliation Section has positions available for an ongoing APS 6 Investigator/Conciliator role.

Salary range $85,826 to $98,079 pa + 15.4% Superannuation

DUTIES:

• Investigate complaints made under federal human rights and discrimination law.
• Undertake the conciliation of complaints made under federal human rights and discrimination law.
• Prepare correspondence for the President or her Delegate, including correspondence regarding notification and termination of complaints alleging discrimination and/or breaches of human rights.
• By telephone and in writing, provide information to members of the public about federal human rights and discrimination law and the complaint process.
• Participate in the ongoing development of the Investigation and Conciliation Section’s practices and procedures, as required.
• Prepare and present information sessions on the law and the complaint process and participate in community education events, as required.

Skills and Experience

• Understanding of human rights issues and knowledge of federal human rights and discrimination law and complaint procedures, or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.
• Highly developed communication skills (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate with a wide range of people with respect and empathy and work effectively in a team.
• High level analytical skills and the ability to investigate complaints in a statutory/legal framework, including an ability to analyse complex and voluminous material and apply facts to law. Draws accurate conclusions based on evidence and analyses and interprets information to inform decision makers.
• An understanding of Alternative Dispute Resolution Processes and an ability to facilitate the resolution of complaints/disputes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume workload/caseload; including the ability to establish priorities and meet organisational performance standards. Shows initiative and takes personal responsibility for meeting objectives, progressing work and identifying risk.
• The ability to assist in the development and delivery of community education presentations.
• Proficient word processing and computer skills and familiarity with computer based data systems.
• Appropriate tertiary qualifications, formal training or equivalent, or relevant community experience.
• Ability to travel as required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We value inclusivity and diversity and seek people who support and model the behaviours we promote in our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations Australians, mature workers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, carers, LGBTQI+ and people with disability.

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS) unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing.

The Commission is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive work environment to enable people with a disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustment as required to assist your participation in this recruitment process.

Please provide a resume and covering letter outlining your interest in this position. You are not required to address each selection criterion individually but should provide sufficient information to demonstrate that your skills, knowledge and experience are the right fit for this position. Please be accurate, succinct and show a clear connection with the selection criteria for the role.

Additional information may be sought from [email protected], using the subject line: Investigator / Conciliator enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.