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 with over 19,000 members; 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 – Advocate 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

Advocacy

• Act as an advocate for SSTUWA members and the Union in industrial and employment-related matters.
• Represent members in negotiations, meetings, and workplace processes.
• Undertake Commission work on behalf of members and the Union in the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) and other relevant jurisdictions, as authorised.
• Appear in conferences, conciliations, and hearings within delegated authority. 

Advice

• Provide regular formal and informal industrial relations advice to members, workplace representatives, organisers, and Union officers.
• Provide advice to other industrial staff consistent with SSTUWA policy and legal direction.
• Assist with advice on matters relating to awards, agreements, legislation, and employment instruments.
• Identify and escalate complex, high-risk, or precedent setting matters to the General Secretary 

Representation and Case Management

• Manage allocated member cases from intake through to resolution in accordance with SSTUWA systems and procedures.
• Prepare written submissions, correspondence, reports, and recommendations on member cases and industrial matters.
• Represent the Union and members in informal and formal dispute resolution processes.
• Assist in the preparation of briefs and materials for external legal counsel when required. 

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
• 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
• 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 to trade unions and public education
   Demonstrated commitment to the values and objectives of the trade union movement and an understanding of, and commitment to, public education in Western Australia.
2. Teamwork and organisational alignment
   Demonstrated capacity to work effectively as part of a team, under the direction of the General Secretary, and in accordance with SSTUWA policies, procedures, and strategic priorities.
3. Case assessment and workload management
   Demonstrated ability to assess potential industrial and professional matters, exercise sound judgement, and prioritise workload in line with organisational priorities and member needs.
4. Industrial advocacy experience
   Demonstrated experience representing members or organisations within the Western Australian industrial relations system, including advocacy in disputes, negotiations, and formal or informal proceedings.
5. Legislative and industrial knowledge
   Sound knowledge and understanding of relevant industrial legislation, awards, agreements, and other industrial instruments applying to SSTUWA members.
6. Understanding of public education issues
   Demonstrated understanding of the key industrial, professional, and workplace issues impacting public education employees.
7. Communication and stakeholder engagement
   Highly developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to consult, negotiate, and liaise effectively with members, colleagues, employers, legal representatives, and other external stakeholders.
8. Digital and administrative capability
   High-level computer and digital literacy skills, including demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel and Teams), with the ability to maintain accurate electronic records, manage databases, and produce professional correspondence and written material.
9. Dispute resolution and negotiation
   Demonstrated skills and experience in dispute resolution, negotiation, and problem-solving within an industrial or organisational context.
10. Driver’s licence
    A current, valid Western Australian unrestricted C Class driver’s licence.
11. Applicants must either hold, or be eligible to obtain, a Right of Entry permit, including meeting the Fair Work Commission and or Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission ‘fit and proper person’ requirements.

Desirable Criteria

11. Relevant qualifications
    Tertiary qualifications in law, industrial relations, education, labour studies, or a related discipline.
12. Union and/or public sector experience
    Experience working within a trade union and/or public sector environment.

How to Apply

Applications Close:     10.00am Friday 27 February 2026

The position will commence March / April 2026, (negotiable)

In submitting an application / cover letter for the position of Advocate 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