POSITION DESCRIPTION
Industrial Officer
Case Manager

The position will commence June/July 2026, (negotiable) for up to 12 months

Our Organisation
The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (SSTUWA) represents State School Teachers and TAFE Lecturers across W.A. It is one of the largest trade unions in Western Australia providing a wide range of both industrial, professional and value-added services.

The SSTUWA is the public education union of WA. Organisational fit is crucial. The ability to exercise high levels of tact and discretion in a professionally and personally challenging environment, while simultaneously meeting demanding schedules and workloads, is essential.

Vision Statement
We are a strong, independent, democratic union of public educators protecting and improving our industrial and professional rights and promoting quality public education for all.

The SSTUWA Strategic Directions include the following:

Our guiding principles:
•  Equity: Gender equity, diversity and inclusion for every student and employee
•  Fair Funding: for all public schools and TAFEs

Our focus areas:
•  Protect Education for the common good.
•  Keep schools safe sanctuaries of learning
•  Stand up for your rights
•  Defend and extend your collective bargaining rights
•  Be proud of your profession

Key Function
This position is responsible for the delivery of frontline industrial and advocacy services to SSTUWA members. The Industrial Officer undertakes representation, advocacy, dispute resolution, and industrial relations work in both member and system matters. The role operates under the direction of the General Secretary and within SSTUWA policy, strategic priorities, and governance frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Member Case Management
•  Acting as the SSTUWA case manager for the union members.
•  Management of the union’s cases in the relevant commission and jurisdiction with the Industrial Services Coordinator.
•  Representing the member and the union in industrial negotiations directly and indirectly related to the member case.
•  Providing advice to both the union and the member on the key matters related to a case.
•  Assisting the office industrial team and lawyers with possible industrial action.

Advice
•  Provision of regular formal and informal industrial relations advice to members
•  Provision of relevant industrial advice related to both the case member and general membership matters to the Industrial Services Coordinator, the legal committee and the elected officers.
•  Provision of advice to other industrial staff.
•  Providing generic advice on school and TAFE matters pertaining to agreements and awards.

Representation
•  Ability to represent the member and the union in various informal and formal dispute resolution processes.
•  Ability to present reports and recommendations on member cases and relevant industrial matters to the required forums.

Industrial Services Team
•  Ability to work within the industrial services team in the delivery of the best industrial support and representation for both the members and the union.

Other duties as directed by the General Secretary.

Industrial and Organisational Support
•  Support enterprise bargaining, industrial disputes, and strategic campaigns through advocacy, research, and drafting.
•  Contribute to the effective delivery of SSTUWA’s legal and industrial services model.
•  Assist in the education and support of workplace representatives and members.

Other Duties
•  Other duties as directed by the Senior Officers.

Conditions
•  Full-time (75 hours per fortnight).
•  Permanent Position
•  Maintained Motor Vehicle
•  Salary level 3.1 at $141,551 with annual salary progression through Level 3 of the General Agreement, to a maximum of 4.2 at $163,356. Plus, extra 4% Superannuation.
•  Employment conditions will be subject to the Officers of the State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. Conditions of Employment Agreement 2023 which provides amongst the best salary, superannuation and conditions of employment of any equivalent role in the union movement.
•  Some out-of-hours work, and statewide travel may be required.

Selection Criteria
Applicants are required to address the following selection criteria in their application.

Essential Criteria
1.  Commitment and organisational alignment Commitment to trade union values and public education in WA, with the ability to work well in a team and follow SSTUWA policies and priorities.
2.  Case management and member support Ability to manage a caseload, including intake and triage, support members with workplace issues, gather information, and keep accurate records.
3.  Communication and stakeholder engagement Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to respond to member enquiries, explain processes clearly, and liaise effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
4.  Digital and administrative capability Demonstrated computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel and Teams), with the ability to maintain accurate records, update databases, and prepare clear written correspondence.
5.  Industrial knowledge and sector understanding Foundational understanding of industrial relations frameworks, including awards, agreements, and workplace policies, along with an awareness of the key issues impacting public education employees.
6.  Problem-solving and administrative capability Demonstrated ability to assist in resolving workplace issues through practical problem-solving and appropriate escalation, supported by strong administrative and digital skills.
7.  Licensing and eligibility requirements Current WA driver’s licence and ability to obtain a Right of Entry permit, including meeting relevant ‘fit and proper person’ requirements.

Desirable Criteria
1.  Relevant qualifications Qualifications in law, industrial relations, education, labour studies, or similar.
2.  Union and/or public sector experience Experience in a trade union or public sector environment.

How to Apply

Applications Open: Monday 11th May 2026
Applications Close: 10.00am Friday 12th June 2026

In submitting an application / cover letter for the position of Industrial Officer – Case Manager please include:
•  A three (3) page statement addressing the selection criteria listed above, in context of the role and business needs of the branch
•  A CV of up to four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position.
•  A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
•  The contact details for two (2) work related referees who can attest to the claims made in your written application.

Applications should be addressed to:
The Chairperson – Appointments Committee, c/o executiveassistant@sstuwa.org.au

Further Enquiries

For further information regarding this position, please contact executiveassitant@sstuwa.org.au

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