Deputy Usher of the Black Rod

SUBSTANTIVE EQUALITY STATEMENT:
The Parliament of Western Australia values diversity and champions Equal Opportunity Employment. We’re committed to attracting and retaining a workforce that reflects us all, and to making Parliament an inclusive and supportive workplace, free from discrimination.
We encourage all suitable people of any age, sex, gender, family status or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply, including First Nations people, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disability.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Are you passionate about topical issues affecting Western Australians? Do you have experience working with and supervising a close team, and possess a natural curiosity for research, analysis, and writing? If so, we invite you to apply for Deputy Usher of the Black Rod in the Legislative Council Chamber Support Office. We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to fill this unique and interesting role on a full-time permanent basis.
Background
The Chamber Support Office plays a key role in the provision of high quality administrative and support services for the 36 elected members of the Legislative Council and the Department of the Legislative Council. The Chamber Support Office assists the Department to facilitate the meetings of the Legislative Council and provides impartial advice and support to the presiding officers, members, clerks, and other key stakeholders during parliamentary meetings.
What you will do as Deputy Usher of the Black Rod
The Deputy Usher of the Black Rod is an integral role deputising for the Usher of the Black Rod, supervising the support services, staff, and the operations of the Legislative Council’s Chamber Support Office, and supporting the Department of the Legislative Council in the delivery of its services. You will contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of the Chamber Support Office’s administrative, procedural, and other knowledge resources, produce critical chamber related materials for members and staff that facilitate the Legislative Council’s meetings, and work towards improving the accessibility of the Department’s publications through online, digital and other platforms.
You will:

• deputise for and assist the Usher of the Black Rod with ceremonial functions and security, media accreditation, and the processing of messages to the Legislative Assembly
• supervise the Chamber Support Office staff, including recruitment, performance appraisal, training, and development, leave management, work assignment and rostering
• supervise and undertake the preparation of the critical chamber documents
• demonstrate resilience and the ability to handle multiple matters simultaneously
• work closely with other team members to support our people to thrive and provide continuous improvement in the delivery of our services

For professional development and enhanced career satisfaction, the position may periodically rotate with the position of Parliamentary Officer (Procedure) in the Procedure Office.
Reporting and Location
The position reports to the Clerk Assistant (House) and is based in the Legislative Council Chamber Support Office located within the historic parliamentary buildings in West Perth.
Benefits of Working at Parliament
At the Parliament of Western Australia, we value our employees and are dedicated to providing a supportive and fulfilling work environment. The workplace benefits we currently offer include:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Comprehensive professional development programs
• Onsite parking
• Access to Health and Wellbeing initiatives
• Gymnasium facilities

Apply now as Deputy Usher of the Black Rod and join us in supporting the Legislative Council.
The attached job description form contains more information about the role.
FOR FURTHER JOB RELATED INFORMATION:
Please contact Grant Hitchcock (Clerk Assistant (House)) on (08) 9222 7891 or e-mail .
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
How to apply
If you’re interested in applying, please send us:
· A completed application for employment form
· A response (in no more than four pages) addressing the selection criteria, as set out in the job description form.
· An up-to-date CV (no more than four pages) that clearly outlines your skills and experience as relevant to this position.
A job description and application form can be downloaded below or from the on the Parliament website. Applications must be emailed to hr@parliament.wa.gov.au by 4.00pm Friday, 16 February 2024.
Please note that you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen with a special category visa, to apply for this role.
If you have any access needs that may require adjustment to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, including alternate methods of communication, or to request a document in an alternative format please contact Human Resources on (08) 9222 7877.