Industrial Officer – Advocate

• Act as an advocate for SSTUWA members and the Union in industrial and employment-related matters
• Represent members in negotiations, meetings, and workplace processes
• Undertake Commission work on behalf of members and the Union in the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) and other relevant jurisdictions, as authorised
• Appear in conferences, conciliations, and hearings within delegated authority
• Provide regular formal and informal industrial relations advice to members, workplace representatives, organisers, and Union officers
• Provide advice to other industrial staff consistent with SSTUWA policy and legal direction
• Assist with advice on matters relating to awards, agreements, legislation, and employment instruments
• Identify and escalate complex, high-risk, or precedent setting matters to the General Secretary
• Manage allocated member cases from intake through to resolution in accordance with SSTUWA systems and procedures
• Prepare written submissions, correspondence, reports, and recommendations on member cases and industrial matters
• Represent the Union and members in informal and formal dispute resolution processes
• Assist in the preparation of briefs and materials for external legal counsel when required
• Support enterprise bargaining, industrial disputes, and strategic campaigns through advocacy, research, and drafting
• Contribute to the effective delivery of SSTUWA’s legal and industrial services model
• Assist in the education and support of workplace representatives and members
• Other duties as directed by the Senior Officers

• Commitment to trade unions and public education
• Demonstrated commitment to the values and objectives of the trade union movement and an understanding of, and commitment to, public education in Western Australia
• Teamwork and organisational alignment
• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively as part of a team, under the direction of the General Secretary, and in accordance with SSTUWA policies, procedures, and strategic priorities
• Case assessment and workload management
• Demonstrated ability to assess potential industrial and professional matters, exercise sound judgement, and prioritise workload in line with organisational priorities and member needs
• Industrial advocacy experience
• Demonstrated experience representing members or organisations within the Western Australian industrial relations system, including advocacy in disputes, negotiations, and formal or informal proceedings
• Legislative and industrial knowledge
• Sound knowledge and understanding of relevant industrial legislation, awards, agreements, and other industrial instruments applying to SSTUWA members
• Understanding of public education issues
• Demonstrated understanding of the key industrial, professional, and workplace issues impacting public education employees
• Communication and stakeholder engagement
• Highly developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to consult, negotiate, and liaise effectively with members, colleagues, employers, legal representatives, and other external stakeholders
• Digital and administrative capability
• High-level computer and digital literacy skills, including demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel and Teams), with the ability to maintain accurate electronic records, manage databases, and produce professional correspondence and written material
• Dispute resolution and negotiation
• Demonstrated skills and experience in dispute resolution, negotiation, and problem-solving within an industrial or organisational context
• Driver’s licence
• A current, valid Western Australian unrestricted C Class driver’s licence
• Applicants must either hold, or be eligible to obtain, a Right of Entry permit, including meeting the Fair Work Commission and or Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission ‘fit and proper person’ requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in law, industrial relations, education, labour studies, or a related discipline
• Experience working within a trade union and/or public sector environment

Employment conditions will be subject to the Officers of the State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. Conditions of Employment Agreement 2023 which provides amongst the best salary, superannuation and conditions of employment of any equivalent role in the union movement