South Australia Police
POSITION INFORMATION DOCUMENT
Stream
Career Group
Classification
Service
Branch
Position Title
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Administrative Services
Consultancy and Information
ASO7
Human Resources
Health Safety and Welfare Branch
Manager, Injury Management
LEVEL CHARACTERISTICS
The position has been classified at the Administrative Services level 7 by virtue of the
requirement to:
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operate within broad government and agency directions
initiate, plan, implement, coordinate and deliver SAPOL’s injury management
program
provide expert advice to senior managers on best practice injury management
objectives and strategies and contribute to the development of agency policy
manage the performance of a state-wide injury management service in SAPOL in
order to meet WorkCover Performance Standards, Performance Measures and
Cabinet Targets
provide leadership to a large multidisciplinary team
develop, implement and evaluate injury management objectives, strategies, policies
and practices
Undertake duties of a sensitive, innovate, critical or complex nature
Exercise a significant level of decision making which impacts on SAPOL’s workers
compensation liability
POSITION SUMMARY
The Manager, Injury Management is responsible for the leadership and management of a large
multidisciplinary team which provides claims management, rehabilitation and return to work
services to work injured SAPOL employees and their supervisors.
The Manager, Injury Management is responsible for the development, implementation and
evaluation of state-wide injury management policies and practices which enable cost effective
management of workers compensation claims and the sustainable early rehabilitation and return
to work of injured employees in accordance with Government/SAPOL directions, relevant
legislation, risk management principles and Work Cover Performance Standards for Self
Insurers.
The Manager, Injury Management develops and implements injury management objectives and
strategies that are outcome focussed and client/service oriented and which direct the provision
of quality and best practice injury management services in line with SAPOL’s corporate
objectives and the need for continuous improvement.
POSITION CHARACTERISTICS
The South Australia Police provides a diverse range of services to the community. These
services are aimed at producing a safe and peaceful environment by the minimisation of crime
and disorder. It is a large complex organisation which, because of the nature of its operations, is
constantly subject to public scrutiny and accountability. It provides services to a range of
different locations (over 100) spread across the State on a 24 hour a day basis.
The Injury Management Section is part of the Health Safety and Welfare Branch which is one of
five branches forming the Human Resources Service within South Australia Police.
The Health, Safety and Welfare Branch, provides the organisation with programs, policy
guidelines and advice on a comprehensive range of services which relate to management of
human resources in the fields of medical, psychology, welfare, chaplaincy, rehabilitation, claims
management and occupational health and safety functions.
The Injury Management Section is primarily responsible for the provision of occupational
rehabilitation and claims management services to all SAPOL work injured employees across the
state. It is the role of the Injury Management Section to assess all reported workplace injury
claims to determine the need for early medical intervention and to provide assistance in recovery
and return to work.
The Injury Management Section works closely with managers and supervisors to advise on the
injured employees progress as well as the suitability of their pre injury work duties. It is the role
of the Injury Management Section to assist injured employees who are unable to return to their
pre injury duties to secure suitable alternative employment within SAPOL and if this is not
possible, then explore employment options in the Public Sector or wider community. The Injury
Management Section also provides advice and assistance with the management of noncompensable injuries or illness as requested.
The Injury Management Section is responsible for the cost effective management of SAPOL’s
workers compensation claims. This involves determining employee entitlements in accordance
with the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, 1986 and approving and monitoring
expenditure on all claims. It is the role of the Injury Management Section to assist SAPOL to
reduce its ongoing financial liability in workers compensation by assisting injured employees to
return to work or by developing strategies to reduce the number of open claims.
The Manager, Injury Management is required to develop and maintain effective working
relationships with Employee Assistance Services, Police Medical Officer, Human Resources
Management Branch, LSA managers, Industrial Relations and Prevention staff to minimise the
human and financial impact of work place injury.
ORGANISATION
Supervisor Reports to:
Supervisor's Position:
Subject Position:
Staff Supervised:
Assistant Commissioner, Human Resources Service
Manager, Health Safety and Welfare Branch
Manager, Injury Management
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STATISTICS RELEVANT TO THE POSITION
No. of Open Claims:
739
No. of Open Rehabilitation Cases:
241
Workers Compensation Budget:
$9.9m
South Australia Police
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title of Position
Classification Code
Position Number
Position Created
Type of Appointment
Service
Branch
Section
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Manager, Injury Management
ASO7
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Permanent
Human Resources Service
Health Safety and Welfare
Injury Management
Job & Person Specification Approval
(for all positions excluding senior positions)
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Commissioner of Police or Delegate
P.C.O. Reference Number 2006/001282
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JOB SPECIFICATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position, and its responsibilities / duties:
The Manager, Injury Management is responsible for the leadership and management of a large
multidisciplinary team which provides claims management, rehabilitation and return to work
services to work injured SAPOL employees and their supervisors.
The Manager, Injury Management is responsible for the development, implementation and
evaluation of state-wide injury management policies and practices which enable cost effective
management of workers compensation claims and the sustainable early rehabilitation and return
to work of injured employees in accordance with Government/SAPOL directions, relevant
legislation, risk management principles and Work Cover Performance Standards for Self
Insurers.
The Manager, Injury Management develops and implements injury management objectives and
strategies that are outcome focussed and client/service oriented and which direct the provision
of quality and best practice injury management services in line with SAPOL’s corporate
objectives and the need for continuous improvement.
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Reporting / working relationships
(To whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is responsible and other
significant connections and working relationships within the organisation)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Manager, Injury Management is accountable to the Manager, Health Safety and Welfare
Branch.
 The position is required to provide information and advice to Directors and members of
Senior Management as requested.
 The position is required to supervise the staff within Injury Management Section.
 The position is required to develop and maintain effective working relationships with
Employee Assistance Services, Police Medical Officer, Human Resources Management
Branch, LSA managers, Industrial Relations and Prevention staff to achieve early
intervention in high risk claims and resolve complex cases.
 The position will be required to liaise with staff of the Attorney Generals Department, Public
Sector Workforce Relations, Crown Solicitor’s Office, WorkCover and PASA Industrial
Officers and their associated legal representatives.
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Special Conditions
(Such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some intrastate, overnight travel and out of hours work may be required.
 Current drivers licence is essential.
 The position may be required to enter into an annual performance agreement for the
achievement of (specific or service or program) outcomes.
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Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated activities
(Group into major areas of responsibility and list in descending order of importance.
Continue on next page if necessary)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4.1
Leadership and Management of Injury Management Section:
 Provide strategic direction and advice to staff of IM Section
 Address problems and determine or recommend solutions to problems referred by staff
 Provide feedback on performance to staff – coach and counsel where necessary
 Identify training needs and facilitate appropriate opportunities
 Ensure compliance by staff with SAPOL’s injury management policies and procedures,
legislative requirements, WorkCover Performance Standards and Public Sector Workforce
Relations guidelines etc.
 Deploy injury management staff in the most effective manner to address the presenting
workload
 Attend and/or brief legal counsel who are representing SAPOL on complex or precedent
setting cases at SA Workers Compensation Tribunal hearings
 Oversee negotiations with workers’ solicitors and union representatives in relation to
highly complex workers compensation claims
 Model high quality mediation and consultation skills to resolve disputes
 Ensure matters involving surveillance of workers compensation claimants are authorised
appropriately and handled sensitively and confidentially
 Reconsider all SAPOL’s disputed workers compensation decisions in line with the
requirements of the Workers Compensation Tribunal
 Determine in conjunction with the Manager, Health Safety and Welfare Branch, the
required outcomes for the work group and monitoring/recognising the performances of
individuals and the team towards achieving outcomes
 Manage the effective acquisition and/or utilisation of human, financial and physical
resources required in the delivery of injury management services as well as the
evaluation of the performance of those services against clearly defined objectives and
targets
 Formulate the injury management budget within given parameters in consultation with
the Manager, Health Safety and Welfare Branch and monitor budget expenditure
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4.2
Monitor claim costs and provide advice to Senior Management on strategies to reduce
costs
Assist in the analysis of reports prepared for Senior Management and identify
appropriate strategies to address current and future trends
Develop, implement and evaluate state-wide injury management policies and
practices which enable cost effective management of workers compensation
claims and the sustainable early rehabilitation and return to work of injured
employees in accordance with Government/SAPOL directions, relevant legislation,
risk management principles and Work Cover Performance Standards for Self
Insurers:
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4.3
Provide high level injury management technical knowledge and operational expertise on
departmental and government injury management policies, processes and guidelines to
senior managers
Provide advice to senior managers to ensure workgroups implement injury management
processes, which satisfy the requirements of the WorkCover Performance Standards for
Self Insurers and ensure that SAPOL complies with relevant legislation
Analyse and advise on departmental directions, which impact on policies and strategies
in support of effective injury management
Work closely with the Data Analyst to develop, utilise and monitor information which
contributes to the accurate and effective planning, delivery and assessment of injury
management services
Develop policies and procedures in accordance with government and departmental
directions and operational requirements
Ensure SAPOL’s injury management system achieves compliance with the
requirements of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, the associated
regulations and the WorkCover Performance Standards for Self Insurers by developing
and maintaining a system of internal and third party audits
Develop, implement and monitor best practice injury management strategies:
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Ensure all work place accidents/incidents are assessed for early intervention and return
to work services
Ensure prompt receipt and acknowledgment systems for all compensation claims
Ensure claims management functions are allocated on the basis of identified risk
Apply a case management model to the management of workers compensation claims
Ensure all high risk claims are subject to detailed case management plans and achieve
integration of treatment, rehabilitation, claims management and human resource
functions
Ensure all lost time claims have documented Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plans
when required.
Ensure all claim files fully document handling decisions, who made them and the
rationale/legislation relied upon
Ensure SAPOL managers, supervisors and employees are adequately trained in their
responsibility for injury management by supervising the preparation and delivery of
appropriate training modules in relevant SAPOL approved courses
Work in partnership with LSA/Branch Managers and ensure that they are kept informed
of the injury status of employees within their field of responsibility
4.4
The Manager, Injury Management develops and implements injury management
objectives and strategies that are outcome focussed and client/service oriented
and which direct the provision of quality and best practice Injury Management
services in line with SAPOL’s corporate objectives and the need for continuous
improvement.
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4.5
Establish plans for the efficient and effective delivery of injury management services
Identify factors which impact on service delivery outcomes and adjust resources,
systems and procedures as required
Advise on and promote human resources management standards within and across
workgroups, which support the achievement of policy and corporate objectives in injury
management
Develop and maintain operational networks throughout the department, government
and the industry to identify new practices that could be trialled within SAPOL
Advise on and implement risk management principles in all human resource
management activities
Continuously promote greater awareness and accountability for injury management
throughout SAPOL
Contribute to the effective management of staff within the Branch by ensuring
that:
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Team members are afforded equal employment opportunity in accordance with the
principles of equity and diversity
Team members are managed in accordance with SAPOL’s Health and Safety policies
and relevant legal requirements and
An harmonious workplace free of unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment and
bullying is maintained
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Certified correct by OIC/Branch Head
: ............................................. / /
Acknowledged by Current Occupant
: ............................................. / /
Name of Current Occupant
: ......................................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PERSON SPECIFICATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Essential Minimum Requirements
(Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary.)
Educational / Vocational Qualifications
(Include only those listed in Commissioners Standard 2 as an essential qualification for a
specified group.)
Nil
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
(Related to the job description, and expressed in a way which allows objective assessment.)
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Proven ability to initiate, develop and implement claims management and/or rehabilitation
policy, procedures and strategy to support corporate goals
 Proven ability to think laterally, analytically and strategically, to question existing policies and
practices, to identify problems and trends and to develop and implement practical remedies
 Demonstrable interpersonal and communication skills to effectively lead and work within a
team environment and to be able to build effective relationships with branch, peers and senior
management staff
 Demonstrable consultancy skills to negotiate and mediate in an objective calm manner
 Demonstrated ability to translate plans, policies and procedures into action in order to achieve
agreed results
 Proven ability to manage human, financial and physical resources of a claims management
and/or rehabilitation service
 Possess a high level of personal integrity and credibility and maintain confidentiality.
 Demonstrated ability to contribute to the maintenance of a harmonious, safe and healthy
workplace, free of harassment, unlawful discrimination and bullying and where diversity is
valued.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Experience
(Including Community Experience)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Experience in managing and monitoring claims management and/or rehabilitation
programs or improvement projects
 Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of injury
management services
 Experience in analysing and resolving complex injury management/human resource issues
 Experience in the provision of claims management and/or rehabilitation advice to senior
management
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Knowledge
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current knowledge of injury management best practice.
 Knowledge of the SA Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (1986)
 Knowledge of the SA Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare Act (1986)
 Knowledge of the WorkCover Performance Standards for Self Insurers
 Knowledge and understanding of risk management principles and their application
 Working knowledge of policies relating to Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare, Equal
Employment opportunity and personnel management standards as they apply to the scope
of the position.
 Knowledge of the principles of Equity and Diversity requirements
 Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and commitment to OHS&W legislation,
principles and practices; and risk assessment in accordance with the OHS&W Act (1986),
Regulations & AS/NZS4360 Standard.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Desirable Characteristics
(To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Experience
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Experience with contemporary issues relating to injury management in the public and
private sectors
 Experience in successfully undertaking projects of a complex nature in accordance with
agreed targets and outcomes
 Experience in the development of WorkCover audit programs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Knowledge
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Knowledge of the principles of quality management and continuous improvement
 Knowledge of statistical analysis and reporting techniques
 Knowledge of strategic planning processes
 Knowledge of the structure and operations of SAPOL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Educational / Vocational Qualifications
(Considered to be useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate human resource area, behavioural or social
sciences discipline.
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