Make a real impact as our Senior HR Officer! You will provide strategic advice and hands on support across HR, Industrial Relations, and Workplace Health & Safety. Reporting to the HR Manager, you will help shape a skilled, diverse, and engaged workforce, drive performance, and foster a safe, ethical, and growth focused workplace. Your work will directly influence our culture and the success of our people.

Centacare FNQ is the social services agency of the Catholic Diocese of Cairns, providing services that support individuals, families and communities across Far North Queensland. Our work is guided by our Mission, Vision and Values, and by a strong commitment to service, dignity and social justice.

Our vision is of an inclusive and resilient community, strengthened by our shared purpose to make a positive difference together.

What You’ll Enjoy

Centacare FNQ offers an environment where your expertise is valued, and your professional growth is supported:

• Attractive Remuneration Structure: Full time, 38 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements available.
• Salary Packaging: Up to $15,900 per year to increase your take-home pay (superannuation may be paid in addition, subject to ATO limits).
• Generous Leave Package: Five weeks annual leave, plus the option to purchase up to two additional weeks each year.
• Gift Day: Enjoy an additional paid day off following Boxing Day if it falls on your usual workday.
• Professional Development: Tailored leadership development, peer collaboration opportunities, and access to sector training.
• Values-Based Culture: Join a supportive, mission-driven organisation that prioritises wellbeing, inclusion, and community impact.

About the role

Reporting to the HR Manager, as Senior HR Officer, you will provide expert, hands on HR and WHS leadership across the organisation. Partnering closely with leaders, you’ll drive compliant, people centred outcomes while strengthening capability, culture and safety.

What you’ll be doing

• Coordinate recruitment and onboarding, ensuring best practice and legislative compliance.
• Provide senior-level HR and WHS advice, partnering with leaders on performance management, investigations, grievances and disciplinary matters.
• Lead and support HR projects aligned with organisational priorities and continuous improvement.
• Oversee HR administration, employee records and induction processes using the ELMO HRIS.
• Coordinate WHS governance activities, including committees, audits, incident reporting, data analysis and compliance monitoring via the SafetyCulture system.
• Provide backup support across payroll, employment contracts and the HR Manager’s role as required.

Selection Criteria

You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate the following:

• Proven ability to influence and engage stakeholders to deliver effective, compliant HR and WHS services.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of industrial relations, employee relations and workplace health and safety frameworks, including relevant legislation and industrial instruments.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, fit for purpose solutions that address complex HR and operational business needs.
• Highly developed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including negotiation, consultation and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake research and investigations, including the preparation of accurate, objective and confidential reports.

QUALIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 3–5+ years’ experience in a similar role
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience in HR and workplace health and safety.
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment and WHS legislation
• The ability to influence, coach and build trusted relationships
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Experience using HRIS, payroll and WHS systems

Essential requirements:

• Relevant HR qualification or equivalent experience
• Current Blue Card & Yellow Card Exemption
• National Police Certificate
• Open driver’s licence

Please note we reserve the right to select a successful applicant prior to the position closing.