Return To Work Officer

Shoalhaven City Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexitime for indoor staff

9-day fortnight for outdoor staff

Flexible and remote working

Novated lease arrangements

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a Return to Work Officer to support injury management and safe, timely returns to work across Council. You will coordinate early intervention, advise on policies, and engage with management and medical providers to achieve positive outcomes while complying with SIRA requirements.

The role offers a 35-hour week with flexitime and will be located at the Nowra Administration Building.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV or equivalent in WHS or workers compensation.
• Return to Work Coordinator Certificate or Rehabilitation Co-ordinator qualification.
• Class C Driver's Licence.
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or working rights in Australia (visa).
• Experience implementing injury management in an organisational context.
• Knowledge of injury management, workers compensation, legislation and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact for Council's Return to Work program, coordinating early intervention with injured workers and relevant parties.
• Develop, implement and review Return to Work policies, procedures, guidelines and tools.
• Provide consultation and advice including presentations and negotiations with management, staff, union representatives and medical providers.

Skills

Strong communication

Organised

Relationship building

Education

Certificate IV in Workplace Health & Safety or Workers Compensation or equivalent

Return to Work Coordinator Certificate or Rehabilitation Co-ordinator

Class C Driver's Licence

Job description

• 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with the option of flexitime
• Located at the Nowra Administration Building - Bridge Road, Nowra

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Workers Compensation Officer, the Return to Work Officer supports the development, implementation and maintenance of efficient and effective Return to Work practices across Council's activities. The role assists injured staff and their managers with the aim of facilitating a safe and timely return to suitable employment or full pre-injury duties, while ensuring compliance with State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) requirements and supporting positive injury management outcomes across Council. This includes:

• Acting as the primary contact for Council's Return to Work program, coordinating the early intervention and consultation with injured workers and the relevant parties
• Develop, implement and review Return to Work policies, procedures, guidelines and tools in accordance with current legislation, best practice and statutory requirements to ensure continuous improvement
• Undertake consultation and /or provide advice including presentations, discussions and/or negotiations with all levels of management, staff, union representatives and medical providers with the RTW program

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, comprising of 4 steps within the range shown. The starting salary is at Step 1 within the grade. Progression through the salary steps shall be based upon the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.

About You

To be successful in the position, you will have:

• Certificate IV or other tertiary qualification in Workplace Health & Safety, Workers Compensation, or equivalent experience
• Return to Work Coordinator Certificate or relevant Rehabilitation Co-Ordinator qualification
• Class C Driver's Licence
• Proof or Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa)
• Proven experience in the implementation of injury management within an organisational context.
• Demonstrated knowledge of injury management, Workers Compensation and related legislation, statutory requirements, and best practice.

We are looking for an organised and approachable person with strong communication skills who can build positive relationships and provide practical support to employees and managers throughout the return-to-work process.

Applications Close

Thursday, 12 November 2026(at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Bree Whitton - Acting Senior Workers Compensation Officer - 02 4429 3***.

Why Work with Us

The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
• NSW Welcome Experience

Conditions apply

Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and encourage applicants living with a disability to request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.