JOB DESCRIPTION
Classification
Executive Level 2
Position Title
Group Manager, Human Resources
Position number
00881
Division
Corporate Management
Immediate supervisor
General Manager, Corporate Management Division
Location
Canberra
About Comcare
Comcare is the Australian Government workers’ compensation and occupational
health and safety authority. Comcare works in partnership with its customers to
reduce the human and financial costs of workplace injuries and disease. Our vision is
to make Australian Government workplaces the safest in Australia.
Our role is to:
 promote best practice in workplace health and safety, rehabilitation and the return
to work of injured employees;
 ensure compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety
(Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991 (OHS Act) including if necessary
instituting civil or criminal proceedings in response to a breach;
 ensure compliance with the requirements of the Safety, Rehabilitation and
Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act);
 ensure soundly based calculation and management of premiums and regulatory
fees for Australian Government agencies and the ACT Government ;
 determine claims and pay workers’ compensation to Australian Government and
ACT Government employees in accordance with the SRC Act;
 assist the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (the SRC
Commission) in the performance of its statutory functions; and
 assist the Seafarers’ Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority (Seacare
Authority) in the performance of its statutory functions under the Occupational
Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 (OHS (MI) Act) and the
Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 (Seafarers Act).
Comcare’s environment and strategic priorities
The ability to recognise and respond to changes in the environment in which we
operate is critical to Comcare’s success. In this regard Comcare’s priorities are to:
 support the Australian Government to encourage effective and nationally
consistent workers’ compensation and OHS frameworks
 achieve the National OHS Strategy Targets and contribute to National OHS
priority areas
Gazette 20 April 2006; Canberra Times 22 April 2006; Closing date for applications 04 May 2006
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deliver our services efficiently, ensuring sound financial decision making and
governance
work with employers and employees to promote effective and practical
approaches to work related injury prevention and management
respond appropriately to emerging work-related health and safety issues and
changes in the labour market including to the nature and pace of work
ensure accountability, transparency and consistency in our regulatory activities
seek to achieve voluntary compliance with legal requirements by engagement,
training and education, cooperative programs and compliance assistance.
Comcare strategic priorities are framed against three key result areas:
 Safe and Healthy Workplaces
 Early and Safe Return to Work, and
 Accessible and Affordable Compensation
Structure
Comcare is structured around the following Divisions:
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SRC Act Policy and Support
OHS (CE) Act Policy & Support
Legal Services
Claims Support and Policy
Injury Management
Corporate Management
Research and Strategy
Resourcing
Comcare employs around 365 people based in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney,
Brisbane and Adelaide. It has an annual recurrent budget in excess of $250 million
and manages outstanding workers’ compensation claims liabilities of approximately
$1.6 billion.
Comcare’s People Management Priorities
Comcare’s strategic people management objective is to attract, develop and retain the
right people and to support these people to ensure they contribute effectively to
continuously improving our business. Current major priorities, documented in the
organisational People Management Plan, are to:
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reduce the human and financial costs of workplace injury within our own
workplace
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build the culture, work practices and values at all levels of the organisation to
improve workplace health, safety and attendance
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ensure that the Performance and Development Framework is implemented
effectively and fairly, consistent with its objectives

improve the effectiveness and efficiency of merit-based recruitment and selection
processes, and
Gazette 20 April 2006; Canberra Times 22 April2006; Closing date for applications 04 May 2006.
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equip managers and team leaders with the practical skills, guidance and tools to
support them in implementing these priorities within their work teams.
Group Manager, Human Resources (EL2)
The Group Manager, Human Resources is a member of Comcare’s Executive
Leadership Team and has a key leadership role in relation to people management in
Comcare. The position reports to the General Manager, Corporate Management
Division and has major responsibilities that include:
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advising Comcare Executive and relevant corporate governance committees on
Comcare’s people management issues and priorities
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providing a high level of professional expertise and knowledge in relation to the
legislative and policy framework that applies to APS employment (including the
Public Service Act 1999, Workplace Relations Act 1996, Occupational Health and
Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991 and Safety, Rehabilitation and
Compensation Act 1988); current and emerging workforce challenges and trends
affecting Comcare; and contemporary HR frameworks and practices that promote
employee engagement and productivity
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planning, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on progress in achieving the
priorities in the organisational People Management Plan and related plans,
including through comprehensive quarterly People Management Reports and
fortnightly reports to Comcare Executive, and
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working with senior managers to support and assist them in achieving Comcare’s
people management goals.
Relevant tertiary qualifications would be highly desirable. As for all Executive Level
2 positions in Comcare, the successful applicant for this role will need to have
excellent strategic and analytical skills, a record of achieving results, personal drive
and integrity, the ability to cultivate productive working relationships and high level
communication skills.
In this document you will find:
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Duty Statement
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Selection Criteria
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Extract from the Comcare Plan and Comcare Leadership Values
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Application Cover Sheet
Gazette 20 April 2006; Canberra Times 22 April2006; Closing date for applications 04 May 2006.
DUTY STATEMENT
Classification
Executive Level 2
Position number
00881
Duty No.
1.
Duties
Manage and provide leadership and strategic direction for Comcare’s
people management function, and for the HR Group, to ensure that:
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people management activities are consistent with and support
Comcare’s organisational and operational goals, and
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HR services and products are of a high quality.
2.
Provide high level professional, specialist and/or technical advice on people
management issues to a range of internal and external stakeholders,
including Comcare Executive and relevant corporate governance
committees.
3.
Actively develop working relationships across the organisation and with
clients and other stakeholders that are effective, collaborative and strategic.
4.
Promote the APS Values, APS Code of Conduct and Comcare Leadership
Values and model behaviours that demonstrate commitment to these
principles.
5.
Represent the organisation to client agencies and other external forums.
Gazette 20 April 2006; Canberra Times 22 April2006; Closing date for applications 04 May 2006.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Classification
Executive Level 2
Position number
Several
The following selection criteria are based on the APS Senior Executive Leadership
Capability (SELC) Framework. Further information on the framework is available on the
Australian Public Service Commission’s internet site at:
http://www.apsc.gov.au/selc/index.html
Criteria
No.
Selection Criteria
1.
Strategic and analytical skills, in particular the ability to analyse a wide
range of workforce information and provide strategic HR advice that
contributes to:
 Comcare’s vision, purpose and business objectives
 sound decision-making by the CEO, Comcare Executive and other
corporate governance committees on people management priorities
and organisational change in Comcare, and
 the development of innovative and creative approaches to addressing
issues and challenges in the work group/business unit/organisation.
2.
A record of achieving results, with the ability to:
 effectively manage the design and delivery of major HR programs,
projects and/or organisational change initiatives, and
 provide a high level of professional/specialist/technical expertise
and knowledge in relation to the legislative and policy framework
that applies to APS employment, and the full range of HR practice
areas.
3.
Personal Drive and Integrity, including demonstrated:
 professionalism and integrity,
 willingness to accept responsibility and accountability,
 commitment to and ability to model the behaviours required by the
APS Values, APS Code of Conduct and the Comcare Leadership
Values,
 initiative, motivation, and resilience, and
commitment to continuing personal learning and development.
Gazette 20 April 2006; Canberra Times 22 April2006; Closing date for applications 04 May 2006.
4.
Ability to Cultivate Productive Working Relationships, in particular,
skills in:
 establishing and maintaining productive relationships with a range
of internal and external clients and stakeholders,
 fostering collaboration and teamwork across the organisation,
 leading and managing people and work groups effectively,
 promoting learning and development for team members, and
 effectively communicating business and corporate goals, needs and
priorities.
5.
High level communication skills, including the ability to:
 communicate with influence both orally and in writing,
 negotiate effectively with a range of internal and external
stakeholders and resolve conflicts skilfully,
 deal with staff at all levels in managing and resolving complex and
sensitive HR issues, and
 represent Comcare with credibility and professionalism.
6.
Relevant tertiary qualifications and membership of a relevant
professional body are highly desirable.
Gazette 20 April 2006; Canberra Times 22 April2006; Closing date for applications 04 May 2006.
THE COMCARE PLAN (Extract)
http://www.comcare.gov.au/pdf_files/Comcare_Plan.pdf
Comcare’s Vision
Australia’s Safest Workplaces
Comcare’s Mission
To work in partnership with our customers to reduce the human and financial costs of
workplace injuries and disease in the jurisdiction.
Our role is to:






promote best practice in workplace health and safety, rehabilitation and the return
to work of injured employees;
ensure compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety
(Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991 (OHS Act) and the Safety, Rehabilitation
and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act);
ensure soundly based calculation and management of premiums and regulatory fees
for Australian Government agencies and the ACT Government ;
determine claims and pay workers’ compensation to Australian Government and
ACT Government employees in accordance with the Safety, Rehabilitation and
Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act);
assist the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (the SRC
Commission) in the performance of its statutory functions; and
assist the Seafarers’ Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority (Seacare
Authority) in the performance of its statutory functions under the Occupational
Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 (OHS (MI) Act) and the Seafarers
Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 (Seafarers Act).
Comcare’s Values and Behaviours
Comcare expects everyone within the organisation to uphold the APS Values and the
Code of Conduct. Within that framework, Comcare expects its people to:
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accept responsibility and accountability for their actions at work;
communicate with our customers in an open and transparent way;
behave in a fair and professional manner in their dealings with each other and
their customers;
contribute to the full extent of their knowledge, skills and abilities and
acknowledge the effort of others; and
continuously improve the quality of the services they provide.
Comcare’s Priorities
Comcare has identified three key result areas (KRAs) as part of this Plan.
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Safe and Healthy Workplaces;
Early and Safe Return to Work; and
Accessible and Affordable Compensation
Gazette 20 April 2006; Canberra Times 22 April2006; Closing date for applications 04 May 2006.
Comcare’s Leadership Values
As a senior public servant, committed to upholding the APS Values and the ethical
standards set out in the Code of Conduct, I am committed to modelling leadership
behaviour in Comcare. In particular, I will show personal courage in:
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Displaying energy and enthusiasm for Comcare and its goals
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Being committed to an open and trusting workplace
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Championing the interests of Comcare as a whole
Playing the issue not the person
Identifying and resolving issues constructively.
Setting a high priority to people management
Supporting my colleagues
Providing strong encouragement and constructive feedback on
performance and career development
Acting as a coach and mentor to those who value my experience
Taking personal responsibility for sharing information.
Challenging the way we do our business (why and how)
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Being open to new information and ideas
Encouraging a diversity of perspectives
Suggesting ways of improving how things are done
Sensibly managing and taking risks - learning from unsatisfactory
outcomes
Keeping on learning.
Gazette 20 April 2006; Canberra Times 22 April2006; Closing date for applications 04 May 2006.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE ROLES
Q. How many roles are available?
A. There is currently one vacancy. An Order of Merit list will be established and considered
for any subsequent vacancies arising in the next 12 months.
Q. What documentation do I need to complete to apply for these positions?
A. You should include in your application:
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Personal details to assist in processing your application using the Application Cover
Sheet.
You do not have to include a covering letter but may do so if you want to bring any
particular information to the attention o the Selection Advisory Committee (for
example availability for an interview);
A Statement of Claims addressing the selection criteria;
Curriculum Vitae, including a work history statement preferably starting from the
present and working backwards;
The names of at least two recent referees who could provide information to the
Selection Advisory Committee about your work performance and an assessment in
terms of the selection criteria.
This information may also be recorded on the Application Cover Sheet; and
Any other relevant information.
Q. Do I have to be an Australian Citizen to apply for these positions?
A. Yes.
Q. I have received a redundancy payment from the Australian Public Service.
Am I eligible to apply?
A. You would only be eligible to apply provided the redundancy was paid more than twelve
months ago? If you have received a redundancy from ACT Public Service, the time limit does
not apply.
Q. Will I be placed on probation if I win a position?
A. A three month probationary period will apply to you if you are engaged or offered a
contract. If you are already a member of the Australian Public Service probation may not apply.
Q. Are there opportunities for career advancement within Comcare?
A. There is emphasis on the development of skills through training and on-the-job experience
for progression to the next level. Comcare also offers the opportunity to undertake roles in
other
divisions of the organisation to develop skills and assist progression.
Q. What is the work environment like?
A. Successful applicants will be placed in a team environment performing mainly
administrative duties as described in the Duty Statement.
Q. Where is Comcare located?
A. Comcare’s main office is situated at 1st Floor, 14 Moore St, Canberra City.
Q. What parking facilities are available near Comcare?
A. Limited short term parking is available near the building. If you are selected to attend
interview, please ensure to allow enough time for parking.
Q. Who is the Contact Officer for these positions?
A. A contact officer is available to answer questions that have not already been covered by
information provided in this document. The contact officer for this position is
Ms Penny Weir (02) 6275 0695.
Gazette 20 April 2006; Canberra Times 22 April2006; Closing date for applications 04 May 2006.
APPLICATION COVER SHEET
Group Manager, Human Resources, Executive Level 2
GIVING FALSE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION IS A SERIOUS OFFENCE
Are you an Australian citizen? (yes or no)
Have you received a redundancy benefit from an Australian Public Service
(APS) agency or non-APS Commonwealth employer in the last 12 months?
(yes or no)
If yes, what was your retirement date?
Personal details
Title
Surname
Given names
Address
Gender (M/F)
Postcode
Contact details
Home
Work
(yes or no)
Mobile
Email
May we contact you at work?
Employment details
Current employer
Position/title
Length of service
If you currently employed in the Australian Public Service?
Classification/level
AGS no
Ongoing/non-ongoing
Workplace Diversity
Highest Education Level (optional – for
statistical purposes only)
Are you an Indigenous Australian? (yes or no)
First Language if not English
Do you have a disability?
If selected for interview or further assessment, please specify any assistance you may
require:
Where did you find out
about this job?
PS Gazette
(yes or no)
Comcare Website
(yes or no)
Canberra Times
(yes or no)
Referee Details (require two referees)
Name
Relationship
Phone
1.
2.
Signature (not required for applications lodged electronically)
Email
Date
Please email your application to recruitment@comcare.gov.au (preferred option) or mail to
Recruitment Adviser, Comcare, GPO Box 9905, Canberra ACT 2601. You should include in your
application: Application Cover Sheet, A statement of claims against selection criteria and
Curriculum Vitae.
Gazette 20 April 2006; Canberra Times 22 April2006; Closing date for applications 04 May 2006.