The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is an independent statutory office established to protect the rights, interests and wellbeing of adults with impaired decision-making capacity, and children and young people in the child protection system and those accommodated in disability services, Authorised Mental Health Services, residential health services and youth detention centres. Please visit the OPG website to learn more publicguardian.qld.gov.au.

• Permanent position
• AO5 classification
• Cairns or Townsville location

About the Role

The Senior Investigations Officer conducts investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation or appropriateness and adequacy of decision making arrangements for adults with impaired decision making capacity, and undertakes protective activities in a timely and outcome-focused manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake investigations relating to allegations of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation, or the appropriateness and adequacy of decision making arrangements of adults with impaired decision-making capacity, under relevant legislation and in line with relevant policies, practices and procedures. This may include:

• Providing advice to attorneys, administrators and other informal decision makers regarding their responsibilities in making decisions for adults with impaired decision making capacity,
• Negotiating situations with high levels of conflict to reach informal and formal outcomes,
• Preparing comprehensive investigations reports, making recommendations for protective action and preparing materials for applications to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT),
• Appearing before QCAT or other relevant tribunals/courts as required.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with team members, contribute to a multi-disciplinary workplace and actively participate in team planning and performance improvement processes.
• Actively engage, build rapport and foster collaborative relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders including assisting in professional development opportunities to educate about the work of the team and role of the Office of the Public Guardian more generally.
• Ensure all work complies with record keeping and reporting requirements and meets all other corporate and professional responsibilities.

Applicants who hold an investigations qualification, such as a Diploma or Certificate III or IV in Government Investigations, or who have well developed experience in conducting government investigations will be well regarded.

Possession of a C class driver’s licence is a mandatory requirement for this role as travel is required to attend meetings and visits in a range of locations that are often not accessible by alternative means.This role requires travel throughout the state of Queensland, including overnight stays where necessary.

A position description is attached.