Workplace Health & Safety Specialist

Help shape a proactive safety culture across a diverse, purpose-driven organisation.

SSI is seeking an experienced WHS Specialist to provide trusted advice, practical guidance and contemporary solutions that strengthen workplace health and safety across our programs and operations. Based from our Parramatta office with hybrid working arrangements, this is an opportunity to influence leaders, improve systems and help create safer workplaces where people can thrive.

You will bring sound judgement, strong critical thinking skills and the confidence to turn complex WHS challenges into clear, workable actions. This role will suit an accomplished professional with preferably five or more years’ experience in a similar WHS position.

About the role

Reporting to the WHS Manager, you will partner with leaders and employees to embed effective risk management, strengthen WHS capability and support continuous improvement. You will combine deep specialist knowledge with hands-on delivery across assurance, governance, consultation, incident management and organisational change.

What you’ll do

• Develop practical resources and initiatives that build safety ownership among leaders and employees.
• Develop and implement systemic interventions and other assurance frameworks, to drive improvements in line with ISO 45001.
• Lead WHS risk profiling, control development, implementation and verification across programs and the organisation.
• Conduct site, program and organisational audits, inspections and assessments.
• Coach and train leaders to confidently manage WHS risks within their areas.
• Provide specialist advice on hazards, incidents and emerging risks, and lead investigations and analysis.
• Support effective consultation by chairing the SSI Safety Committee.
• Deliver meaningful WHS reporting and recommendations for management, Executive and Board audiences.

About you

You are a collaborative, solutions-focused WHS professional who can analyse information, challenge assumptions and make balanced recommendations. You communicate with clarity, build credibility quickly and know how to influence stakeholders at every level.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Five or more years’ experience in a relevant WHS role within a complex, diverse or geographically dispersed organisation.
• A minimum Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety; a bachelor’s degree is highly regarded.
• Strong knowledge of Australian WHS legislation, regulations, standards and approved Codes of Practice.
• Demonstrated experience in risk management, incident investigation, auditing and organisational change.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to translate data and complex requirements into practical advice and compelling reports.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement, coaching, facilitation, written and verbal communication skills.
• Community and social service sector experience desirable but not essential
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualifications or auditing experience are desirable.

If you are an experienced WHS professional who combines technical expertise with curiosity, critical thinking and a practical approach, we would love to hear from you.

About Us

Settlement Services International (SSI Group) is a community-based organisation and social business that supports newcomers and Australians to achieve their full potential. Taking an integrated approach how everyone can thrive within the community in which they live and the wider Australian society, we support children, young people and families; people living with disability; and asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. Our programs include facilitating employment, multicultural foster care, creating community engagement, advocacy, and influencing government and international affairs and provide though leadership within our sector nationally and globally.

About our Benefits

• Salary packaging options to receive up to $15,900 of your salary tax-free meaning more take-home pay!
• Industry leading hybrid and flexible working arrangement supporting work from home and office, including the opportunity of a 9-day fortnight
• Access to in-house training and learning opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Working alongside professional and dedicated team members all wanting to make a difference in our communities.

About our Recruitment Process

SSI Group is strongly committed to actively safeguarding children and young people and providing a safe environment for them to thrive. We ensure children and young people’s safety, and wellbeing is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of everyone at SSI, whether they interact directly or indirectly with children and young people. All employees will undergo a National Police Clearance and a Working with Children Check as a condition of employment. All staff who work on, support, or manage Queensland child-related work must hold a Blue Card, even if they are not based in Queensland.

Our commitment to Diversity

SSI strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We recognise that we operate in a diverse community and welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close 1st November 2026

If you would like more information on the recruitment process, please contact the talent acquisition team at talent@ssi.org.au

A recruitment pool may be created for permanent and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available in the future.

SSI is a Disability Confident Recruiter, and our Talent Acquisition team can assist in providing alternative formats to apply, making adjustments to the recruitment process, (including the application form), and offering information about workplace adjustments and support networks. Should you require adjustments please email us at talent@ssi.org.au

Please note we will be scheduling interviews as applications come in, so please apply urgently if you believe this role aligns with your goals and experience.