How Andrea Vaughan is shaping better futures - for the people she empowers, for Victoria, and for her meaningful career
Workplace injuries can have devastating and far-reaching effects. When there’s a compensation dispute, Andrea Vaughan is there to help. With empathy and expertise, this driven Conciliation Officer facilitates practical discussions between injured workers and employers to ensure everyone is heard, understood, and can find a way forward. It’s challenging yet rewarding work, and at the Workplace Injury Commission, Andrea has the trust and support she needs to succeed.
A unique perspective
Andrea Vaughan’s journey to the Workplace Injury Commission was a little different to most. She was introduced to our organisation as a party to the dispute. Working alongside the organisation gave socially conscious Andrea a unique perspective of our work and a deep insight into our impact. And she knew she wanted to be a part of it.
“I had a very positive experience as an outsider looking in,” Andrea says. “Conciliation is an opportunity for injured workers to have a voice and get their lives back on track. It’s also about educating agents and employers and ensuring they have a place in the room. That’s something I value, and the opportunity to facilitate that discussion was what drew me to the Workplace Injury Commission. So, when a role became available, I threw my hat into the ring and was successful. I haven’t looked back since.”
Since joining us as a Conciliation Officer in 2018, Andrea has worked tirelessly to help Victorians resolve their workers compensation disputes and potentially find a way forward. For Andrea, it’s challenging yet rewarding work that gives her a sense of purpose.
“When people share their lived and often traumatic experiences with me, I don’t take it for granted. It’s an honour, and I want to give them that opportunity to feel heard and potentially have a positive experience and/or outcome regarding the issue that brings them to the service. It’s really valuable work.”
The Workplace Injury Commission has a proud legacy built on driven, talented people like Andrea. Now, we’re taking our robust organisation to the next level with our new arbitration service. Andrea embraces this progressive step forward as an opportunity to make an even greater impact – for the people we support, the Victorian WorkCover scheme, and her remarkable career.
“Arbitration is new, unchartered territory, which is exciting. There’s a lot to learn from the people who have and will be joining us. I think it’s a chance for us to reflect on our conciliation practices and influence more positive change.”
Searching for meaningful work, a respectful culture, and the support and benefits you need to thrive? Explore your opportunity at the Workplace Injury Commission today. |
|---|
Making a difference, knowing it matters
The people Andrea informs and supports are at their most vulnerable: injured workers dealing with pain, trauma, and an uncertain future; and concerned employers unsure how to proceed. Most parties to a dispute seek to avoid a lengthy and costly court process. So, with impartiality and care, Andrea expertly navigates them through conciliation in hope of achieving a fair, positive outcome.
“Not all matters resolve, and not all matters should resolve at conciliation. Some are destined to head to the next forum. But hopefully, we can have a good conversation where all parties feel valued and heard and walk away knowing their next steps.”
Communicating with people from different backgrounds and circumstances is what Andrea does best. It’s what makes her such an empathetic Conciliation Officer - and, interestingly, she says it’s a skill she honed as a nightclub manager during her university days.
“The ability to think on your feet, to actively listen to and understand people dealing with significant stressors - I bring these skills to conferences every day. Being a Conciliation Officer does involve a level of technical expertise, but I think the ability to put people at the forefront of the conversation is what makes a great Conciliator.”
That same mindset of putting people first is something Andrea sees every day at the Workplace Injury Commission. Andrea relishes being part of a close-knit team where relationships count. She also values the mentorship and support from leaders who recognise and reward her contribution.
“Because I’d been a party to the dispute over a number of years, I have had a few robust conversations with some people at the Workplace Injury Commission who are now my colleagues. I was a little nervous about that when I first joined, but I’ve had incredible support. There is a great openness and willingness to help each other - and that includes everyone, from the Executive Leadership Team to Administration. No matter our role, we all share those same values of wanting to help people and make a positive impact on all users of the service.”
Opportunities to grow
Professional development is important to Andrea, who strives to continually learn and grow. And she’s seizing every opportunity to shape her purpose-driven career at the Workplace Injury Commission.
“We have a scheduled professional development day each month, which is extremely valuable. If I identify a short course I think would enhance my learnings, the organisation is really open to making that possible. It’s something that’s raised almost weekly - you’re continually asked what you’d like to learn and pursue.”
When she’s not empowering parties to resolve disputes, you might find Andrea lacing up and going for a run at the Carlton Gardens. Or she might be training on the netball court. The Workplace Injury Commission's hybrid working arrangements support Andrea’s active lifestyle while also giving her valuable face-to-face interaction with colleagues.
“It’s a really warm, welcoming environment. We do serious and meaningful work, but we have a lot of laughs. I think we’ve found that happy balance of professionalism, collegiate relationships, and fun. To me, that makes for a pretty great workplace.”
As we strive to help even more Victorians find a way forward, we can’t wait to welcome more incredible people like Andrea to our team. The key to thriving in a role at the Workplace Injury Commission? Andrea says it comes down to a deep desire to help people and enable positive change.
“Conciliation is quite niche, but I believe the technical aspect can be taught and learnt. What’s essential is that you’re an empathetic, caring person. We’re an independent service, and we’re fair to all parties, but you need compassion. You need to care.”
Resolution matters. And so do you. Join us and turn a proud legacy into a bright future. Discover your career at the Workplace Injury Commission. |
|---|