Head of Human Resources

Arethusa College is an independent, co-educational school catering for students from Year 7 to Year 12. Arethusa College provides an alternative approach to education for students where previous schooling in a mainstream setting has not been successful due to social, emotional, physical, educational, familial, or situational difficulties. The College believes that engagement in education has the potential to empower marginalised students.

The Role

The Head of Human Resources is responsible for leading, supporting and overseeing the Human Resources function across the College.

This is a busy, challenging and demanding position that is people and service focussed. It requires the ability to think on your feet, be flexible due to the nature of the school environment, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other staff, including the Executive Team, Principals, Leaders and campus staff.

The Head of Human Resources reports directly to the General Manager – Corporate Services and is based at the Business Hub, Caboolture. Regular travel across the College’s (SE Queensland) campuses is a requirement of this position.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead, mentor and develop the Human Resources team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Provide expert advice and support to Principals & leaders across all areas of the employee lifecycle.
• Lead complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations in collaboration with Principals.
• Develop and implement strategic workforce initiatives aligned with organisational objectives.
• Oversee the recruitment and selection process, including job postings, candidate screening and interviewing.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, National Employment Standards and Fair Work requirements.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with employees.
• Use of the College’s HRIS system (Humanforce).
• Support staff with special needs ensuring effective support systems are in place.
• Presenting to large groups including onboarding.
• Maintain HR systems, records and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Manage Workcover, rehabilitation and return-to-work processes
• Oversee organisational compliance relating to Blue Cards, Child Safety Checks, Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) registrations, employee records and workforce reporting.
• Continuously review processes across HR, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Travel across campuses on a regular basis.

Skills, Experience & Abilities

 The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Demonstrated experience in a similar HR leadership role. Experience in a large educational setting an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ HR management experience working in a fast paced and often demanding environment.
• Ability to prioritise and multitask effectively while managing competing deadlines.
• Experience with injury management and return-to-work coordination.
• Strong investigation and reporting skills and experience
• Solid understanding of Fair Work Act, awards and other relevant legislation
• Ability to use initiative and apply sound judgement.
• Experience working with individuals with special needs will be an advantage.
• Experience with Humanforce (HRIS) an advantage
• Experience in conducting presentations to diverse, large-scale audiences.
• Moderate computing skills including MS Office
• Confidence in building relationships with staff across Campuses
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Well-developed organisational skills
• Ability to exercise discretion and sensitivity with confidential issues.
• A calm manner under pressure
• High standard of personal presentation
• Be flexible and adaptable to change.

 The successful application will have:

• Completed a qualification in Human Resources or have commensurate experience
• A current Working with Children Check (Paid Blue Card)
• Open Driver’s Licence

Include a copy of a paid Blue Card (Working with Children Check), cover letter and a detailed resume.