Return To Work Coordinator

Department of Education; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education is seeking an experienced Return to Work Coordinator (VPS4) to provide specialist workers compensation and recovery support to schools and injured employees across Victoria’s West Region. The role drives safe return-to-work outcomes and builds stakeholder capability.

Join a dedicated team within the Employee Safety and Wellbeing Division to assist schools with legislative obligations, case management, and returning staff to productive work after injury.

Qualifications

• Experience in workers compensation legislation and practical obligations.
• Experience in coordinating return-to-work planning.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate return to work planning and recovery arrangements for injured employees.
• Provide specialist advice on workers compensation and return-to-work obligations.
• Manage associated administrative and legislative requirements.
• Liaise with principals, workplace managers, injured employees and stakeholders.
• Build understanding and capability across schools in workers compensation processes.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Case management

Communication

Risk identification

WorkSafe knowledge

Education

WorkSafe-approved Return to Work Coordinator training

Current Victorian driver licence

Working with Children Check

Two years' workers compensation experience

Tools

None specified

Job description

Join the Department of Education as a Return to Work Coordinator (VPS4), providing specialist workers compensation and recovery support to schools and injured employees across Victoria’s West Region. Drive safe return to work outcomes and build stakeholder capability.

About the Division

The Employee Safety and Wellbeing Division (ESWD) is committed to the Department's vision to create safe, healthy, respectful and inclusive working environments for Department employees to thrive and succeed.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Return to Work Coordinator (VPS4) to join the Department of Education's Small Schools OHS and Facilities Program within ESWD.

This role provides specialist workers compensation and return to work support to schools, injured employees and regional stakeholders, with a designated focus on the West Region. The role supports safe and sustainable return to work outcomes and helps schools and workplace managers meet their workers compensation and legislative obligations.

The position sits within the Return to Work and Recovery Team, which was established in 2023 to provide person‑centred support to employees with workers compensation claims, particularly principal claims, complex or escalated matters, and claims involving staff in small schools.

The Small Schools OHS and Facilities Maintenance Program is jointly delivered by ESWD and the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA). The program provides practical, expert support to small rural and regional schools across Victoria in occupational health and safety, facilities management, and workers compensation.

The Return to Work Coordinator supports schools and workplace managers by:

• coordinating return to work planning and recovery at work arrangements for injured employees
• providing specialist advice on workers compensation and return to work obligations
• managing associated administrative and legislative requirements
• liaising with principals, workplace managers, injured employees and key stakeholders
• building understanding and capability across schools in workers compensation processes and obligations.

This role reduces administrative burden on school leaders and workplace managers, supports compliance with policy and legislative requirements, and enables schools to remain focused on student learning.

The ideal candidate will have

• strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• sound case management and records management capability
• excellent written and verbal communication skills
• the ability to identify risks, navigate complex issues and provide appropriate support and advice
• demonstrated knowledge of workers compensation legislation, obligations and practice
• strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight timeframes.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• completed a WorkSafe-approved Return to Work Coordinator training
• a minimum of two years' experience in workers compensation
• a current Victorian driver licence
• a current Working with Children Check, or the ability to obtain one.

This role requires travel across the region to undertake school visits. It also involves work across regional office locations and regular attendance at central office to collaborate with colleagues.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For mor e information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Lorna Lutu, Manager Return to Work and Recovery Team via (03) 5215 5*** or **********@education.vic.gov.au.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close

11:59pm on 19 November 2026.