Job Title

The Senior Investigator supports and, when required, leads complex investigations under limited direction, focusing on serious non-compliance with relevant provisions. These investigations may result in civil, criminal, or other high-level enforcement responses.Working within the Enforcement Team, the Senior Investigator must approach their duties with sensitivity, recognising that aged care recipients are among the most vulnerable in the community. The role involves managing potentially confronting and distressing material with professionalism and empathy.About our group and sectionThe Enforcement Team currently conducts investigations into alleged serious non-compliance with the Code of Conduct and other responsibilities of workers and approved providers under the Aged Care Act 1997 and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018. The Team focuses on enforcement responses to non-compliance, including court-based action (such as criminal prosecution and civil penalty proceedings) and other evidence-based actions (such as banning orders and infringement notices).The Enforcement Team investigates alleged contraventions of the Code of Conduct civil penalty provisions under part 8AA, division 2 of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act. They also investigate whether an individual is suitable to be involved in aged care and can make a banning order against an individual where they have engaged in specified forms of misconduct, or the person is not suitable to be involved in aged care.The Enforcement Team also investigates criminal offences under various parts of the aged care legislation (coercive powers to compel information and documents) and, where relevant, the Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014 (including monitoring and investigation warrants) and the Commonwealth Criminal Code.The work of the Enforcement Team is predominately civil and administrative in nature and will suit those individuals with experience in investigating and preparing briefs for consideration of making administrative decisions and preparing material for civil penalty applications to be brought before the federal court for conduct related matters.Key accountabilitiesUnder limited direction, lead and assist complex investigations into the conduct and suitability of approved aged care providers, aged care workers and governing persons, ensuring a high level of accountability and quality in civil, criminal or other enforcement responses.Recognise the care needs of aged care recipients during investigations and support care recipients participation through well-structured interviews, detailed statements, affidavits, and comprehensive evidence collection. Collect, manage, and securely maintain evidential material and protected information obtained through investigations and monitoring activities in compliance with legislative standards.Handle sensitive and potentially distressing material with professionalism and empathy, maintaining emotional resilience and conduct all investigative activities with a focus on the well-being and dignity of everyone involved.Produce high-quality investigation reports to inform regulatory responses, and support decision-making on remedial actions.Negotiate effectively by anticipating other parties'' perspectives, presenting positions effectively, and resolving complex matters. This includes advocating for enforcement outcomes based on evidence and engaging with stakeholders to achieve agreeable outcomes.Establish and maintain productive stakeholder relationships with external agencies such as CDPP and relevant authorities to support enforcement activities.Apply sound judgement and expertise to accurately interpret complex legislation and contribute to strategic investigative decisions within established guidelines.Utilise in-depth knowledge of statutory, regulatory and policy frameworks including the Aged Care Act 1997, Commission Act and Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014 and the appropriate application of Commission powers, to conduct investigations and provide informed advice on complex investigative matters.Support the preparation of evidence briefs to facilitate civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court and assist in criminal prosecutions via the CDPP.Collaborate with legal officers and other advisors under limited direction in developing compliance and enforcement responses, acting as a liaison with external counsel on enforcement matters, with engagement from the Legal team as required.Provide coaching, mentoring and guidance to other staff within the team and contribute to a learning culture where expertise can be appropriately shared.Contribute to the continuous improvement for processes, guidance and technology for the team.Eligibility RequirementsKey capabilitiesIn-depth understanding of, or the ability to quickly acquire of, aged care legislation, statutory, regulatory, and policy frameworks including the Aged Care Act 1997, Commission Act and Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014.Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary investigations methodologies, practices, and experience in undertaking investigations including conducting interviews and preparing statements and affidavits.Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to have difficult conversations.Well-developed written communication skills to produce clear, accurate, and high-quality reports and briefs that support regulatory and enforcement objectives.Ability to handle sensitive and potentially confronting and distressing material with professionalism and empathy.Ability to work independently under limited direction, demonstrating sound judgement through research, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making to achieve quality outcomes.Ability to identify and contribute to opportunities for continuous improvement, supporting change initiatives while maintaining a positive and collaborative team environment.Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, negotiate, and build productive working relationships with a range of stakeholders to achieve operational goals and support the Commissions strategic objectives.Mandatory qualificationsCertificate IV in Investigations or an equivalent qualification in law enforcement, legal or other regulatory field that aligns with the Australian Government Investigations Standards.Desirable skills, experience and qualificationsUnderstanding of the Australian aged care system and the regulatory legislation, statutory, regulatory, and policy frameworks.Experience working in a regulatory environment.Position eligibilityIn addition to the above key capabilities, to be eligible for this position you must:be an Australian citizensatisfy a National Coordinated Criminal History Checksatisfy pre-existing medical condition declarationbe required to provide evidence of seasonal influenza and COVID 19 vaccinationsAbility to undertake local and interstate travel when required.How to applySubmit an online application through our Careers at the Commission webpage by 11:30 pm (AEST) 20 April 2025.As part of your application, you will need to provide:Your resume (three pages maximum)a statement (up to 500-words max) with examples demonstrating how you meet the key capabilities for the role as described in the position description.Please contact our Recruitment Team on (02) 9633 3262 or recruitment@agedcarequality.gov.au for assistance with accessing our website or with lodging your application.Contact OfficerSpecific questions about the role can be directed to Emma Hinton by emailing emma.hinton@agedcarequality.gov.au with the position title in the subject line.Preparing your applicationYou are encouraged to refer to the STAR model in the APSC Cracking the Code when preparing your response to the one-page pitch in your application. Where relevant, please also consider the APS6 Integrated Leadership System with your response.Please note, applications that do not provide a resume and your answers to the two application questions may not be assessed and may not progress to the next recruitment stage.Selection process next stageShortlisted candidates will be contacted from 2 May 2025 to confirm availability to attend a written assessment on 8 9 May 2025.Selection process timeframesThe timeframes for this selection process are:Shortlisting outcomes: 5 May 2025Written Assessments: 8 - 9 May 2025Interviews: 13 - 15 May 2025Selection outcomes: 9 June 2025Where there are delays in the selection timeframes, candidates will be notified.Merit poolA merit pool of suitable candidates may be created from this selection process. Suitable candidates placed on the merit pool may be contacted in relation to identical or similar vacancies on a non-ongoing and ongoing basis at the Commission, or the broader APS, within 18 months from the start date of this advertisement. Non-ongoing opportunities may be offered up to a total maximum contract period of 2 years.Diversity and inclusionThe Commission is committed to fostering a workplace with flexible work arrangements to support a diverse, respectful and inclusive culture for all staff.The Commission recognises the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and is committed to the implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan. The Commission values the unique knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees which strengthens and supports our focus on protecting and enhancing the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life of aged care consumers. #J-18808-Ljbffr