Deputy Internal Ombudsman

Located 20km west of Sydney on Dharug country, with a population of over 250,000 residents, Cumberland City Council is the fourth most populous Local Government Area in Greater Sydney. Cumberland boasts one of the most diverse communities in Australia, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures living alongside one another.

Our people are focused on driving community outcomes, programs and services to innovate, inspire and deliver change for the community we represent and has worked hard to fulfil its community’s vision for Cumberland as a place where anyone can feel welcome, belong and succeed.

The Internal Ombudsman Shared Service (IOSS) reports directly to the IOSS Management Committee comprising the member Councils of City of Parramatta, Cumberland City, and Inner West Councils. The IOSS provides residents, community members, ratepayers, local businesses, staff, Councillors, and other Council stakeholders with an ‘independent ear’ regarding complaints about: administrative conduct; unethical behaviour by Council; corrupt conduct; misconduct; or maladministration. All operations of the IOSS are underpinned by the principles of procedural fairness; accountability; transparency; and fairness. The IOSS’s jurisdiction extends across the member Councils of the shared service.

The Deputy Internal Ombudsman provides support for the Internal Ombudsman and all the functions of the Internal Ombudsman Shared Service. The role includes front-line complaint handling and management, undertaking complex and sensitive investigations, training to a variety of stakeholders and the provision of advice to stakeholders. The Deputy Internal Ombudsman is also required to assist the Internal Ombudsman with the delivery of good administrative conduct and decision- making and governance training and promotion of the IOSS.

The successful applicant will require:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications such as law, ethics, and business/HR management and/or significant relevant business experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to high level ethical principles and practices.
• Demonstrated high level experience in managing and conducting investigations, covering all aspects of the investigation process (including, but not limited to, planning, interviewing, report writing, brief preparation, contemporary evidence gathering techniques, and systems recommendations).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including complex report writing and evidence presentation.
• Demonstrated complaint handling ability and experience, including sound negotiation, consultation and dispute resolution skills.
• Experience in developing and/or delivering education and/or training in relation to conduct and probity-related areas.
• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, systems review and corruption prevention strategies and methodologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of administrative law principles relating to procedural fairness and workplace investigations.
• Knowledge of the key aspects of the interface between the Internal Ombudsman function and the relevant oversight/external agencies, including the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, the NSW Ombudsman, the NSW Office of Local Government, Audit Office of NSW and the NSW Police Force.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with competing priorities, across a variety of areas and a variety of legislation, in an environment of high demand, sensitivity and the requirement to maintain confidentiality.
• Understanding of equal employment opportunities, workplace health and safety and ethical practice principles and the ability to act with probity at all times.
• A valid Working with Children Check, or the ability to obtain prior to appointment.
• Class C driver’s licence.

Download the position description here for more information. 

About this role: 

• Term contract (3 months), full-time position
• 70 hour fortnight
• Located at Internal Ombudsman Shared Service office in Auburn, with frequent travel required across Council worksites, and may be required to work across any of Council’s work locations

Salary information: The salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with the NSW Local Government (State) Award.

• Grade 16 of the Cumberland Salary Structure with a salary range of $2,813.96 to $3,236.06 per week, plus 12% superannuation
• The commencing salary will be negotiated, taking into consideration the successful applicant's qualifications, skills and experience related to the role
• Mobile phone

What you'll need to have for this role:

• The right to live and work in Australia
• Be able to provide information for pre-employment checks required for the position, including attending a physical pre-employment medical examination as required
• Participate in health monitoring as outlined in the risk assessment for this position and Council’s Health Monitoring Procedure, as required.

• We promote work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements including working from home opportunities or up to an additional five (5) days' leave for front-facing roles that are unable to access working from home arrangements
• Training and professional development opportunities available to develop skills and grow your career
• Leave entitlements including annual leave, 10 days personal leave and up to five (5) days of MyLeave per year, parental leave entitlements and access to Long Service Leave after five (5) years (where applicable)
• Three (3) additional grant days of paid leave over Christmas (where applicable)
• Corporate Health Insurance discounts
• Health and Wellbeing Programs to support our staff by providing access to online professional learning, paid leave to undertake annual skin checks, COVID-19 vaccinations and to donate blood
• Subsidies to assist with the cost of wellness and fitness activities
• Free access to Council owned and managed Aquatic Centres
• Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, and fully supports the aims and objectives of NSW Child Protection Legislation, and associated provisions. Council will implement all necessary measures to ensure a safe and supportive environment, which endeavours to promote child protection practices. It is essential for applicants to submit their WWCC number with their application, if required, and it is an offence under NSW legislation for barred workers to apply for or otherwise attempt to obtain, undertake or remain in child-related employment.

Cumberland City Council is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, reflective of the community it represents. Council welcomes and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, and is committed to providing an accessible and safe workplace for our staff through making reasonable adjustments. If you have any accessibility or support requirements throughout the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager during the application process. 

Contact Carol Karaki, Internal Ombudsman on 8757 9133 or ***************@cumberland.nsw.gov.au for further information.

Closing date: 11:59pm, Thursday, 3 September 2026

  HOW TO APPLY

To submit your application for this position, please complete the questionnaire.  You'll be asked to attach your resume and any relevant qualifications (if required) to complete your application. Make sure you have these attachments ready before you apply as your application cannot be submitted until completed.