OHS Specialist (Safety, Injury Management & Psychosocial Wellbeing)

About the role

AVWA is looking for an OHS Specialist to lead occupational health and safety, injury management and psychosocial wellbeing for its staff and volunteers. The role reports to the Executive Operations & Compliance Manager and focuses on practical risk controls, legal compliance and continuous improvement, with particular attention to Victorian obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), the OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic) and the Psychological Health Regulations 2025 (Vic).

Key responsibilities

• Maintain OHS compliance and governance artefacts (hazards, risks, incidents, corrective actions, training, contractors, plant and equipment) with a monthly quality check and version control.
• Deliver an annual OHS plan, a monthly dashboard and a quarterly report to the manager, and run at least four workplace inspections per year.
• Lead a psychosocial risk program, including a hazard register, risk assessments, biannual consultations and control plans, and support managers on pressures, conflict, bullying, violence and harassment.
• Manage workers' compensation claims and return-to-work planning, reviewing plans fortnightly and reporting injury data monthly.
• Oversee incident, near-miss and hazard reporting, investigate incidents and coordinate external notifications such as WorkSafe Victoria notifiable incidents.
• Maintain an OHS training matrix, deliver at least six formal OHS and psychosocial sessions per year and advise managers on risk assessments and controls.
• Work with HR, operational leaders, site coordinators and HSRs, and liaise with WorkSafe agents, insurers, rehabilitation providers and the EAP.

Required profile

• Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (minimum) or an equivalent qualification, or demonstrated relevant experience.
• Working knowledge of Victorian OHS obligations, including psychosocial hazard duties.
• Demonstrated capability in injury management and return to work coordination in Victorian workers' compensation settings.
• High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive workforce matters professionally.
• Police check clearance and no ACQSC banning order.

What we offer

• SCHADS Award with all entitlements.
• Salary packaging up to $15,900 and a meal and entertainment card of $2,950.
• Flexible working with partial work from home.
• Employer-funded paid parental leave (conditions apply).
• Employee Assistance Program, wellness activities subsidy and wellness leave.
• Free flu shots.