FOI & Integrity Officer

Job Description

• Permanent Full-Time x2 roles
• $99,526 per annum plus superannuation 
• Join the Governance team

Hume City Council is one of Australia’s fastest growing and culturally diverse councils. We put the customer and our community at the centre of all that we do, ensuring our services are efficient and accessible.

This role supports the implementation of integrity culture across the organisation. You will be required to work with community in responding to Freedom of Information requests, review of escalated customer complaints at times requiring coordination with external agencies such as the Victorian Ombudsman and will also be involved in the management of an internal audit program as Council's assurance function. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Receive, review/analyse and process FOI requests in accordance with the FOI Act.
• Liaise with applicants and key stakeholders to support efficient processing of requests.
• Prepare FOI decision letters for review by the Authorised Freedom of Information Officer, ensuring it complies with the requirements of OVIC.
• Ensure compliance with the FOI Professional Standards.
• Engage with OVIC in matters pertaining FOI review and complaint notifications
• Provide informed specialist advice to senior management on FOI issues.
• Manage and answer incoming subpoenas.
• Provide advice to staff on subpoena requirements.
• Support integrity investigations which may arise from allegations of fraud or misconduct
• Support investigations required by and/or in conjunction with external integrity agencies
• Conducting efficient, independent and effective investigations into complaints ensuring the principles of natural justice, procedural fairness and confidentiality are applied in all circumstances.

The skills and experience you’ll bring to the role:

• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and experience in the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic).
• Experience in Freedom of Information administration.
• A high level of professionalism and discretion in dealing with confidential or sensitive information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail, including ability to: provide advice on complex/sensitive issues; prepare complex correspondence; compile comprehensive and accurate records; and review/prepare procedures, guidelines and policies.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills and the ability to work with changing priorities in a changing environment within strict timeframes in support of statutory requirements and appropriate organisational and team initiatives.
• Excellent customer service skills and customer centric attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of a small, cohesive team including the ability to develop and input into team processes to achieve team

Why Hume City Council?

A leader in local government, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment that is guided by our values:

We’re better, every day: We give things a go and value progress over perfection. We have permission to go for it and are expected to reflect and learn.

We’re in it together: At Hume, everyone matters. We Welcome and include all. Respect and safety are expected.

We show up: We empower and trust others and own our work. We rise to the challenges and are expected to do what we say we will.

All for Hume: We strive to achieve our best for the Hume Community. We are proud and passionate about working towards better outcomes and expect they are at the centre of everything we do.

We offer a competitive salary package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

A child safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer. Council encourages people of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

All candidates will be required to undertake background and probity checks including Reference Checks, Working with Children Check, and a Criminal Record Check.

For any queries, please contact us at [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed progressively throughout the advertising period. This role may close once a sufficient number of suitable applicants has been received. To ensure your application is considered, please apply as early as possible.