People and Culture Business Partner

About the Institute Located on the lands of the Bidiagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation (Randwick, NSW), Black Dog Institute is the only Medical Research Institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. For the past 20 years, we have been at the forefront of mental health research. Leveraging our own research, we have developed an image and workplace that is reflective of our values and mission. Our work is used to distributed through the public and is used to drive evidence informed change across the mental health sector, setting the foundation for a brighter and healthier future for all.

Benefits

• Hybrid work, 1-2 days per week in office (choose your days, consistent team collaboration days where possible)
• 35 hour work week, flexible hours agreements & 9-day fortnights
• Salary Packaging: $15,900.00 of your base salary tax free & up to $2650.00 meal & entertainment
• Family first, people first culture, we put our research into action at work to make sure we maintain mental health and wellbeing at work
• Pet friendly workplace
• Leave benefits including public holiday swap, gifted annual leave, and wellbeing leave 
• Employee discounts 

The Role

This role sits within the business partnering function of the wider P&C team and is responsible for providing a board range of support services across the employee lifecycle which spans across different functions of the Institute. This role will provide expert guidance and support on ER and IR matters, ensuring the fair and consistent application of BDI policies and processes.
This role will assist in resolving employee issues, managing workplace disputes and contributing to IR strategies to maintain a positive, compliant, and productive work environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Employee Relations/P&C Advisory

• Provide advice and support to managers and employees on a range of employee relations issues, including performance management, disciplinary actions, grievances and conflict resolution
• Partner with Head of P&C on succession planning, talent management, and workforce planning
• Investigate and resolve employee complaints, grievances, and disputes in a timely and professional manner identifying root causes and recommending resolutions
• Ensure exit interviews are conducted across the organisation ensuring the data is recorded accordingly and report on insights continuously looking at ways to improve the employee experience
• Build strong collaboration with people leaders and support the probation review processes including attending probation review meetings and issuing subsequent documentation
• Support the Implementation and management of HR policies, procedures, and our EVP.

Industrial Relations

• Provide expert advice on compliance with Fair Work, union related issues and BDI policies
• Review and ensure all employees are on the correct Modern Award according to their role
• Support P&C leadership in maintaining and creating relevant policies, procedures and guidelines that support both the Institute’s culture and values as well as conforming to legislative requirements
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and keeping up to date with legislative updates providing proactive recommendations for managing any workplace changes

Return to Work (RTW) processes

• Oversee and manage the return-to-work process for employees who have been injured or have experienced illness, ensuring they are supported throughout the transition back to work
• Work closely with employees, managers and healthcare providers (if applicable) to develop and monitor tailored RTW plans that accommodate individual health needs while ensuring operational requirements are met
• Maintain accurate records of RTW cases, monitor employee progress, and ensure any reasonable accommodations are provided (if applicable) to facilitate a safe and effective return to work
• Ensure compliance with relevant workers compensation and disability legislation in managing RTW cases

P&C Administration

• Development and management of P&C templates and position descriptions in the relevant internal filing system
• Responsible for monitoring contracts/contract extensions requests and ensure they are actioned effectively
• Overseeing the organisation wide engagement survey ensuring the data is correctly uploaded into the survey tool

Projects

• Participate in projects and activities as per P&C event calendar, including wellbeing initiatives, P&C engagement initiatives etc.
• Development of employee related policies/programs to achieve overall strategic objectives

Work, Health and Safety

• Ensure self-compliance with all WHS legislation and BDI WHS Policy and Procedures.
• Report any WHS hazards and significant issues to Head, People & Culture, or delegate.
• Work In a safe manner, applying duty of care.

Note: the list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Institute may change or request additional activities to meet the operational needs of the business.

Skills & Experience Required 

Essential Criteria

1. Tertiary qualification in Human Resources Management or related discipline
2. Ideally 3+ years’ experience in HR or a similar role
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
4. Broad experience in HR with a focus on Employee Relations, Industrial Relations, and/or Work Health and Safety
5. Solid understanding of employment law, industrial relations practices, and workplace health and safety regulations
6. Proven experience managing employee relations issues, conflict resolution, and compliance with safety and RTW processes
7. Strong knowledge of RTW processes, workers compensation processes and related compliance requirements
8. Demonstrated ability to develop, write and implement policies and procedures
9. Excellent interpersonal skills
10. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
11. Strong organisation and time management skills with excellent attention to detail
12. A team player with a proactive mindset and working in a fast paced environment

Desirable Criteria

1. Experience working in a not-for profit environment
2. A return-to-work certificate
3. Mental Health First Aid Certificate

Inclusion at BDI  

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience where all candidates can fully participate in the process.

We warmly encourage applications from First Nations peoples, culturally and racially diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from underrepresented backgrounds.

We recognise that not everyone has had equal access to opportunities, and valuable skills and perspectives can be gained through diverse life experiences.

If this role excites you but you don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply as your lived experience and insights are important to us.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements or require information in an alternative format, please email ***************@blackdog.org.au or phone 02 9382 4*** 

Privacy

We respect your privacy and confidentiality. We only provide information to other staff where it is needed to arrange workplace adjustments.

How to Apply  To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to ELMO to apply and submit your most up to date resume. If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details. 

Commencement of employment with the Institute is subject to the completion of relevant pre-employment checks, include reference checks, a National Criminal History Check, and other role-specific requirements. These checks are conducted in line with the Institute’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all employees, and check outcomes are reviewed and applied fairly and in accordance with the inherent requirements of the role