• Salary: $103,677 full-time with 13.5% superannuation.
• Applications close: 5:00 PM ACST, 30th June 2025
• Adelaide > Adelaide CBD
• Full Time, Contract
• Applications can be submitted through: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/saunions/workers-compensation-advocate

JOB DESCRIPTION

SA Unions is South Australia’s united trades and labour council, the peak voice for the South Australian union movement. We strive to be influential in improving the lives of South Australian workers by supporting South Australia’s union movement, and advocating to government to influence policy in the interests of working people.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The Advocate is a reliable member of a small team dedicated to ensuring injured workers are treated with dignity, supported financially and assisted to return to the workforce as quickly and safely as possible after an injury. They are professional, responsible, and understand that different clients have different needs. They acknowledge that the work that they do has real life consequences for vulnerable people.

The Advocate has:

• Experience in workers’ compensation law and practice.
• A sound understanding of the Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) and the workers compensation scheme in South Australia.
• 2 – 3 years’ experience in litigation, dispute resolution and advocacy.
• The ability to manage complex and competing priorities.
• The ability to manage diverse and demanding interpersonal interactions.
• Demonstrated commitment to union values and integrity.
• Familiarity with union coverage and priorities in South Australia.

The SA Unions Workers’ Compensation Service provides free dispute resolution and advocacy services to workers who need help with their workers compensation claims. The Advocate will report to and work closely with the Workers Compensation Service Coordinator. They will be supported by an Advocate Assistant and Information Officer. The role will suit a lawyer with 2 – 3 years’ of experience in litigation, dispute resolution and advocacy. It would also suit an experienced Industrial Officer with similar skills and experience. Familiarity with the South Australian workers compensation scheme and the SAET is required, but other relevant dispute resolution experience may also suit the role.

The Advocate will:

• Advise injured workers about their entitlements, rights and obligations in relation to claims for workers compensation. This includes advising workers in relation to settlements and redemption agreements.
• Advocate on behalf of workers in the SAET up to and including at hearing and determination (trial work subject to experience).
• Prepare and lodge SAET documents including Applications for Review of Decisions, Applications for Expedited Decisions, Statements of Facts, Issues and Contentions, and affidavits.
• Liaise with medical practitioners to obtain reports and other relevant evidence.
• Provide ad hoc training to other staff of the WCS.
• Work as part of a team to promote the service to clients and referring agencies.
• Support the development of the Service as a professional and highly regarded service for workers which promotes union values.
• Assist in the development of workers compensation skills for volunteers, health and safety representatives and other union advocates.