Senior Investigator

About this role

The Senior Investigator supports and, when required, leads complex investigations under limited direction, focusing on serious non-compliance with relevant legislative provisions. These investigations may result in the making of significant administrative decisions and/or briefing for civil litigation (in particular, applications for civil penalties). Working within the Enforcement Team, the Senior Investigator must approach their duties with sensitivity, recognising that individuals accessing Commonwealth funded aged care services are among the most vulnerable in the community. The role involves managing potentially confronting and distressing material with professionalism and empathy. The role includes field-based duties that involve travel and overnight stays to undertake activities in varied locations across the country. The incumbent may be appointed as an Authorised Commission Officer (ACO) and exercise regulatory powers under the Aged Care Act 2024, subject to meeting all statutory and eligibility requirements. The regulatory powers and appointment of an ACO are governed by the Aged Care Act 2024. • Under limited direction, lead and assist complex investigations into the conduct and suitability of registered providers of aged care, aged care workers and responsible persons, ensuring a high level of accountability and quality in administrative, civil, or other enforcement responses. • Recognise the care needs of aged care recipients during investigations and support care recipients’ participation through well-structured interviews, detailed statements, affidavits, and comprehensive evidence collection. • Collect, manage, and securely maintain evidential material and protected information obtained through investigations and monitoring activities in compliance with legislative standards. • Handle sensitive and potentially distressing material with professionalism and empathy, maintaining emotional resilience and conduct all investigative activities with a focus on the well-being and dignity of everyone involved. • Produce high-quality investigation reports to inform regulatory responses and support decision-making on remedial actions. • Negotiate effectively by anticipating other parties' perspectives, presenting positions effectively and resolving complex matters, including advocating for enforcement outcomes based on evidence and engaging with stakeholders to achieve agreeable outcomes. • Establish and maintain productive stakeholder relationships with external agencies and relevant authorities to support enforcement activities. • Apply sound judgement and expertise to accurately interpret complex legislation and contribute to strategic investigative decisions within established guidelines. • Utilise in-depth knowledge of statutory, regulatory and policy frameworks including the Aged Care Act 2024, the Aged Care Rules 2025 and Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014 and the appropriate application of Commission powers, to conduct investigations and provide informed advice on complex investigative matters. • Support the preparation of evidence briefs to facilitate civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court. • Collaborate with legal officers and other advisors under limited direction in developing compliance and enforcement responses, and act as a liaison with external counsel on enforcement matters, engaging Legal team as required. • Provide coaching, mentoring and guidance to team members, fostering a learning culture through sharing of knowledge and expertise, and contributing to the continuous improvement of processes, guidance and technology for the team. • Hold or be eligible to obtain, appointment as an Authorised Commission Officer (ACO) to undertake field-based duties, subject to meeting all statutory and eligibility requirements.