Job Description
Two exciting opportunities are available to support the Department of Education's Small Schools OHS and Facilities Program as a Return to Work Coordinator (VPS 4), in the Employee Safety, Wellbeing and Inclusion Division (ESWI Division).
The Return to Work Coordination Team commenced in early 2026, and aims to provide person centred, dedicated support to injured workers with workers' compensation claims, specifically targeting Principal claims, escalated and complex claims, and by staff from small schools.
The Small Schools OHS and Facilities Program is delivered jointly by ESWI Division (which is responsible for employee health and safety) and the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) (which is responsible for facilities management). This program supports small rural and regional schools across Victoria with practical, expert, hands-on OHS, facilities and workers' compensation support.
The role of a return to work coordinator is to help schools and workplace managers support staff with workers compensation claims by acting as the return to work coordinator for the claim, to support injured workers to return to work in a safe and sustainable way, and to take on all the administrative and legislative requirements of return to work planning and coordination on behalf of the principal or workplace manager. These roles relieve administration burden on principals, regional and school staff. They also assist schools to build skills, knowledge, and understanding of workers compensation obligations, so that Department staff can focus more of their time on improving student learning outcomes. The roles are critical to ensure that the department can meet its workers' compensation policy and legislative requirements.
All return to work coordinator roles requires specialised knowledge, experience and expertise in workers' compensation.
We are looking for candidates with innovation, energy and the experience to drive change within the departmental context. Ideally, candidates should have:
• strong people and stakeholder management skills
• strong records management skills
• excellent communication and case management skillsnavigate complex issues
• an ability to identify risks, navigate complex issues and provide support an appropriate action
• knowledge and experience in workers compensation legislation, obligations and practices
• excellent organisational skills and able to meet tight timelines
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate must have completed the WorkSafe approved Return to Work Coordinator Training and have a minimum of two years of experience working within workers compensation. This role requires travel across the region to undertake school visits, and a current driver's licence is mandatory. This role will also involve work within regional office locations, including attending the central office on a regular basis to connect and collaborate with other staff. As this role will require onsite school visits a working with children's check is required.
For more details regarding this position please see attached position descriptions.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
Applications close at 11.5+pm on 10 September 2026
The Return to Work Coordination Team commenced in early 2026, and aims to provide person centred, dedicated support to injured workers with workers' compensation claims, specifically targeting Principal claims, escalated and complex claims, and by staff from small schools.
The Small Schools OHS and Facilities Program is delivered jointly by ESWI Division (which is responsible for employee health and safety) and the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) (which is responsible for facilities management). This program supports small rural and regional schools across Victoria with practical, expert, hands-on OHS, facilities and workers' compensation support.
The role of a return to work coordinator is to help schools and workplace managers support staff with workers compensation claims by acting as the return to work coordinator for the claim, to support injured workers to return to work in a safe and sustainable way, and to take on all the administrative and legislative requirements of return to work planning and coordination on behalf of the principal or workplace manager. These roles relieve administration burden on principals, regional and school staff. They also assist schools to build skills, knowledge, and understanding of workers compensation obligations, so that Department staff can focus more of their time on improving student learning outcomes. The roles are critical to ensure that the department can meet its workers' compensation policy and legislative requirements.
All return to work coordinator roles requires specialised knowledge, experience and expertise in workers' compensation.
We are looking for candidates with innovation, energy and the experience to drive change within the departmental context. Ideally, candidates should have:
• strong people and stakeholder management skills
• strong records management skills
• excellent communication and case management skillsnavigate complex issues
• an ability to identify risks, navigate complex issues and provide support an appropriate action
• knowledge and experience in workers compensation legislation, obligations and practices
• excellent organisational skills and able to meet tight timelines
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate must have completed the WorkSafe approved Return to Work Coordinator Training and have a minimum of two years of experience working within workers compensation. This role requires travel across the region to undertake school visits, and a current driver's licence is mandatory. This role will also involve work within regional office locations, including attending the central office on a regular basis to connect and collaborate with other staff. As this role will require onsite school visits a working with children's check is required.
For more details regarding this position please see attached position descriptions.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
Applications close at 11.5+pm on 10 September 2026
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Return To Work Coordinator position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Melbourne offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
