Legal Counsel

• Location: Nudgee College Campus, Boondall, Brisbane
• Permanent
• Full-Time
• $161K + superannuation

ABOUT US: 

Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Colleges Ltd is the Governing Body for 20 Catholic schools in the Edmund Rice tradition across Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory.

As a part of the broader National EREA network of schools, the organisation is shaped by the four touchstones of The Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition: Gospel Spirituality, Liberating Education, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Reporting to the Director of Safeguarding and Professional Standards you will provide expert legal advice and support to EREA Colleges Ltd, and the Educational Bodies under its governance and operational responsibility, including general advice and all aspects of employment law and workplace relations. 

Expected travel up to 25% of the time to all states and territories.

As a newly established organisation, this role is an exceptional opportunity to become part of our expanding team. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Provision of legal advice

• Provide high level strategic and operational legal advice to EREA Colleges Ltd and its educational bodies on a wide range of matters, including complex workplace relations issues, employment laws and regulations, legislation, industrial instruments, awards and employment terms and conditions. 
• Support EREA Colleges Ltd and its educational bodies to ensure compliance with industrial instruments, legislation and other employment laws and regulations, including preparing resource materials and providing and supporting any associated training of staff. 
• Support EREA Colleges Ltd Senior Staff through the dissemination of contemporaneous and relevant legislative changes.
• Provide and prepare legal advice to EREA Colleges Ltd and its educational bodies on the use and interpretation of workplace policies, processes and procedures, including preparing resource materials (e.g. guidelines and templates) and providing and supporting any associated training of staff. 
• Prepare briefings and correspondence and other resource documentation on legal issues for consideration and use by EREA Colleges Ltd and its educational bodies. 
• Contribute specialist legal support to projects as required. 

 Provide advice and support on complex human resources and workplace relations matters

• Develop policy, procedure and training material in relation to the management of complex human resource and workplace relations matters
• Support EREA Colleges Ltd and its educational bodies with the management of investigations, performance management, disciplinary and misconduct and employee grievances including conducting workplace investigations and preparing investigative reports as required;
• Provide high level advocacy at conferences/hearings in tribunals in relation to workplace disputes and conciliation or mediation processes;
• Consult and negotiate with union officials and key stakeholders on workplace relations matters;
• Prepare, negotiate, finalise and manage settlements.

Reporting 

• Provide timely, transparent disclosure to the Board and CEO on complex legal matters, including producing a periodic report with detailed commentary and analysis. 
• Ensure the organisation complies with its legislative and regulatory requirements in relation to reporting and disclosure of relevant matters.

Human Resources and procurement

• Develop policy, procedure and training material in relation to human resources processes
• Assist in the preparation of employment contracts and contactor arrangements.
• Provide advice and support with regard to commercial contracts and procurement of services from external providers.

SIGNIFICANT WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Director of Safeguarding and Professional Standards 
• EREA Colleges Ltd Leadership Team

ABOUT YOU: 

To succeed in the role you will have: 

1. Understanding of, and commitment to the values of a Catholic educational system. 
2. Relevant qualifications in law, including eligibility for admission to the Supreme Court as a solicitor.
3. Strong experience in human resources and workplace relations law and provision of related advice.
4. Strong knowledge of, and/or the ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, relevant legislative and regulatory requirements across Australian jurisdictions that apply to EREA Colleges Ltd.
5. Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team and ability to manage diverse and competing work demands.
6. Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion in managing and advising on sensitive issues; 
7. Experience managing investigations, the preparation of investigative reports and advising on or managing the processes that flow from investigations; 
8. Strength in balancing continuous improvement with organisational and regulatory requirements.
9. Strong analytical, managerial, verbal and written communication, and leadership skills, with steadfast resolve and personal integrity.
10. Ability to diagnose problems quickly and foresee potential issues.
11. Leads well, listens first, and responds clearly and directly.
12. Brings energy, confidence, and humility.
13. A commitment to the ongoing and proactive protection and safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk of abuse.

 WHAT WE OFFER: 

• Our people are valuable in providing a quality Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition to the young people in our schools. As an EREA employee, you will receive:  
• Attractive remuneration + salary packaging options 
• Additional paid leave provisions, including a week of ex-gratia leave in December 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Hybrid working arrangement 
• Connection to a national and global network of Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition 

 HOW TO APPLY: 

To apply for this position, click ‘Apply for this job’ and follow the prompts.  

To support your application, you will be required to provide a current CV and Cover Letter (2 pages max) highlighting your qualifications, experience and suitability for the role.  

Please address applications to Mr Chris Woolley, Chief Executive Officer.  

For more information about this role or any general enquiries, please contact [email protected] 

APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY 1ST JULY 2024 

The successful applicant must possess (or be eligible to obtain) and maintain a current Working With Children Check.   

All applicants will be subject to EREA Colleges Ltd and legislative screening procedures. These checks are consistent with EREA Colleges Ltd’s commitment to child protection policies and procedures.