[Hiring] Employee Relations Specialist @Mission Australia

Role Description

Join Mission Australia as an Employee Relations Specialist and help create a fair, safe and supportive workplace so our teams can focus on building brighter futures for people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

• Provide clear, practical advice and coaching to leaders and employees on complex ER/IR issues.
• Manage end‑to‑end cases (misconduct, performance, grievances, and non‑work‑related injury/illness) with procedural fairness.
• Lead formal workplace investigations and prepare detailed reports.
• Represent Mission Australia in union discussions and at industrial tribunals and regulatory hearings when required.
• Contribute to written resources, publications and organisational initiatives.
• Support organisational change (closures, transitions, restructures) and present in relevant forums and networks.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, acting as a trusted and credible advisor.
• Use HR/ER metrics and workforce data to identify trends, reduce risk and improve operational performance.
• Monitor legislative and case law developments and provide practical insights.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Employee/Industrial Relations, Law or a related field (post‑graduate study is a plus).
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation and industrial instruments, with hands‑on experience managing complex ER/IR matters.
• Proven experience conducting fair, thorough workplace investigations.
• Ability to coach and support leaders and HR colleagues with a calm, human‑centred, solution‑focused approach.
• Confidence representing the organisation in union discussions and industrial tribunals; enterprise bargaining experience is desirable.
• Skilled at keeping accurate records and producing clear ER reports; comfortable using HRIS, payroll and workflow systems.
• Data‑driven mindset—able to analyse workforce trends to identify risks and improve policies, toolkits and practices.
• Collaborative style and strong stakeholder engagement across HR, Legal, Child Safety, Risk and related teams.
• Commitment to Work Health, Safety and Wellbeing, and to child and youth safety practices.
• Able to meet pre‑employment checks: Police Check, Working with Children/Working With Vulnerable People, and NDIS Worker Screening.

Requirements

• Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Benefits

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference.
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay).
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support.
• Volunteering opportunities.
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave.
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off.

Company Description

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all.