Working at Melba Support Services (Melba)

• We support people with disability to live the life they want.

• We have a Zero Tolerance approach to violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• Every member of the Melba community is committed to The Melba Way Charter, our vision, purpose and values.

• Melba aims to create welcoming and respectful workplaces that promote inclusive and collaborative working relationships.

For over 50 years Melba Support Services has been providing services to people with disability that focus on supporting people to dream big, embrace life and do what they choose and value. Melba is firmly grounded in upholding human rights and recognises that part of living a happy, healthy life is being independent and being able to do the things that bring us joy. Melba won the 2023 National Disability Award for Excellence in Service Quality. 

Why Join Us? 

We are a human-rights, values-based, not-for-profit community organisation committed to providing services that support individuals with disability to lead everyday lives of their choice, if this resonates with you, come join us!

Position Purpose
The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Partner provides strategic and operational leadership to support a safe, healthy and resilient workforce, enabling high-quality, person-centred service delivery. Partnering with leaders, the role embeds a proactive, risk-based approach across diverse, client-facing environments, influencing decision-making and addressing cultural and operational barriers to achieve safe, compliant outcomes. The role drives safety culture, strengthens organisational capability, and continuously improves systems and practices in complex service settings.

What you’ll be doing (Key accountabilities)
•    Enable leaders and staff to effectively identify, manage and control health, safety and wellbeing risks through practical, risk-based advice and coaching, integrated into operational planning
•    Build leadership capability through coaching, training and support to strengthen ownership of HSW responsibilities and promote a positive safety culture
•    Support effective consultation and engagement through Health and Safety Representatives and committees
•    Ensure identification, assessment and management of operational and psychosocial risks, including facilitating risk assessments and supporting leaders in implementing effective controls
•    Conduct and support inspections, audits and assurance activities, including coaching leaders through these processes, to verify control effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
•    Provide expert guidance on incident management and lead investigations into serious or complex incidents to deliver robust root cause analysis and sustainable improvements
•    Define, monitor and support the management of critical risks and key controls to prevent high-consequence events
•    Analyse data and performance indicators to identify trends, emerging risks and provide actionable insights to inform decision-making
•    Partner with leaders and injury management to support early intervention, return to work outcomes and wellbeing initiatives
•    Contribute to the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System, including policies, procedures, training and guidance materials, and lead HSW initiatives and projects aligned to organisational priorities while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships and operational presence

Your Background (Skills and attributes) 
•    Tertiary qualification in Health, Safety and Wellbeing or related discipline with 5 years of relevant work experience; or less formal qualifications with extensive relevant experience as a Health, Safety and Wellbeing or related practitioner. Background within allied health or emergency management highly regarded. 
•    Proven experience in a safety specialist role in a complex environment preferably in the aged care, health or disability sector with multiple widely dispersed locations. 
•    Demonstrated expert knowledge, understanding and application of relevant legislation, standards, frameworks, guidelines and services 
•    Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and pragmatically with a diverse range of people, from varying backgrounds 
•    Demonstrated ability to develop and implement context-appropriate strategies, systems and procedures that effectively mitigate health, safety and wellbeing risks in complex environments.
•    Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess risk, interpret data and apply practical, evidence-based solutions.
•    Highly developed interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships, challenge, lead conversations, negotiate outcomes, and provide clear, credible advice on HSW matters.
•    Proven ability to engage, coach and support leaders to build capability, drive accountability, and embed a positive safety culture.
•    Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage multiple competing demands, delivering outcomes within required timeframes.
•    Demonstrated initiative, adaptability and resilience, with a proactive and flexible approach to changing priorities and operational needs.
•    Collaborative and outcomes-focused, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively within cross-functional teams.
•    Well-developed digital and systems capability, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to utilise systems to support reporting, analysis and continuous improvement

Requirements 
•    A current NDIS Worker Screening and Working with Children Checks 
•    A current First Aid and CPR Certificate 
•    The ability and relevant driver’s license to perform travel as required 
•    Compliance with OHS&W regulations, legislation, and Policies and Procedures is required.
•    Successful completion of pre-employment safety screening checks, mandatory training, and their subsequent renewals is necessary

Occupation Health Safety and Wellbeing (OHS&W)
•    Take reasonable care for their health, safety, and wellbeing and that of others.
•    Observe safe systems of work.
•    Follow OHS&W policies and procedures.
•    Report hazards, near misses and incidents in accordance with the agreed incident reporting system.
•    Contribute to a positive culture in relation to OHS&W and participate in consultative structures.
 

Inclusion at Melba

Melba Support Services recognises the contribution that a diverse workforce makes to continuous improvement and service delivery and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Melba Support Services values diversity and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. People with disabilities and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are also encouraged to apply. Melba Support Services is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process and day-to-day work. As a provider of supports and services to children, Melba is committed to ensuring that every child feels safe and respected. All Melba staff and volunteers have a responsibility to make sure that children’s wellbeing and safety comes first, that they are supported to achieve their potential, respected, and protected from abuse and neglect.