Department of State Development
Job reference: 864246
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About us:

The Department of State Development is the South Australian Government’s lead economic development agency.

Our mission is to drive sustainable economic growth in South Australia by increasing industrial and workforce capability, capacity, collaboration and resilience. We take pride in hiring the right people for the right jobs and offer an attractive, flexible workplace.

For more information about our agency, please visit:

Department of State Development | statedevelopment.sa.gov.au

The South Australian Skills Commission (the Commission) is a statutory authority established under the South Australian Skills Act 2008 (SAS Act).

The Commission regulates the state's apprenticeship and traineeship system and advises the Minister for Education, Training and Skills on the quality and performance of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Adult Community Education (ACE) in South Australia. As part of its role, the Commission provides complaint handling and dispute resolution services for apprentices, trainees, employers and VET students, including international students. The Commission has established ten Industry Skills Councils that support its ministerial advisory role and other legislated functions under the SAS Act, and to act as key points of industry engagement across government.e

For more information, please visit:

South Australian Skills Commission I [email protected]

About the role:

The Senior Adviser plays a key role in leading and ensuring the effective delivery of complaints handling, mediation and advocacy services as defined by the SAS Act, Division 2 s19(d) Functions of the Commission. The role provides impartial and confidential complaint handling, mediation, advocacy and referral services to a diverse range of stakeholders, including apprentices, trainees, employers, education and training providers, international students and, where appropriate, parents or guardians.

The Senior Adviser manages escalated,



complex or sensitive complaints and disputes, facilitates negotiation or mediation between parties, and provides advocacy and procedural support in proceedings before the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET).

As a Senior Adviser, you will:

- Provide strategic leadership and coordinate the provision of the Commission’s complaint handling, mediation and advocacy services, including oversight of daily operations and service performance.

- Conduct dispute resolution processes in accordance with Skills Standard 12: Complaint Handling, Mediation and Advocacy including for complex matters, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

- Undertake end-to-end case management of complaints and disputes involving apprentices, trainees, employers, training and education providers and students, ensuring timely resolution and compliance with Information Privacy Principles.

- Accurately interpret and apply relevant legislation, standards, practices, policies, procedures and guidelines to assess matters, determine appropriate action and support the resolution of complaints and disputes.

- Provide high-quality advice, support and advocacy services for apprentices/trainees and employers who are a party to a training contract in relation to a grievance/dispute lodged with the SAET, and refer clients to, or liaise with, relevant jurisdictions, government agencies, statutory bodies and industry groups, as appropriate.

Key Competencies:

To apply and succeed in the role, you will have:

- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply legislation, regulations, standards, policies and procedures relevant to complaint handling, mediation and advocacy services.




- Demonstrated experience conducting and managing complaint handling, mediation, advocacy and dispute resolution processes involving complex, sensitive or high-risk matters, including case management and service delivery oversight.
- Proven ability to lead, supervise and develop staff, including providing coaching, mentoring and support to facilitate the delivery of high-quality, client-focused services and build a positive, accountable and high-performing team culture.
- Proven high level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide complex and sensitive advice and information to a diverse range of stakeholders.

Remuneration:

Competitive salary of ASO6 plus superannuation.

Benefits:

Bringing your talent to the Department of State Development will see you rewarded with a wide variety of benefits such as:

- A variety of leave arrangements
- Work-life balance with a flexible hybrid work arrangement
- Access to excellent, customised training and career development opportunities

Qualifications:

- Essential: A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
- Desirable: National Mediator Accreditation

Special Conditions:

- The role will be offered full-time (1.0 FTE) ongoing basis.
- Satisfactory Department of Human Services Criminal History Check or National Police Check (NPC) and Working with Children’s Check (WWCC) required prior to employment.

Enquiries:

For confidential enquiries / further information about the role, please contact Sandy Zuiani, Manager, Quality and Risk via [email protected]

How to Apply:

All applications must be submitted through the I Work For SA website.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

- Cover letter demonstrating their suitability for the role by addressing the key competencies (2 pages max)
- Curriculum Vitae (4 pages max)
- Prepare 3 referees (at least one should be current or recent line manager), to be provided on request.
- Pre-employment Declaration Form – find the attachment on the job advert.

Applications close: 24/11/2026 11:00 PM

📌 Senior Adviser, Quality and Risk (Adelaide)
🏢 Government Of South Australia
📍 Adelaide