Return To Work Coordinator

Department of Education Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education Victoria is seeking an experienced Return to Work Coordinator (VPS4) to join the ESWD within the Small Schools OHS and Facilities Program, focused on the West Region. The role provides specialist workers' compensation and return-to-work support to schools, injured employees and regional stakeholders.

You will coordinate return-to-work planning, advise on obligations, manage administration and collaborate with principals and workplace managers to improve recovery

Qualifications

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Sound case management and records management capability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of workers compensation legislation and practice.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate return to work planning and recovery at work 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 key stakeholders.
• Build understanding and capability across schools in workers compensation processes and obligations.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Case management

Written & verbal communication

Risk assessment

Workers compensation knowledge

Time management

Education

WorkSafe-approved Return to Work Coordinator training

Job description

Department of Education Victoria – Melbourne VIC

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.

We are seeking a candidate with the expertise, initiative and judgement to support complex return to work matters in a dynamic service environment.

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

The successful candidate must have:

• completed a WorkSafe-approved Return to Work Coordinator training
• a minimum of two years' experience in workers compensation
• 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 more 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.