Catholic Employment Relations – Sydney CBD NSW
About us
Catholic Employment Relations (CER) is a trusted partner to Catholic employers across Australia, providing expert employment relations, human resources, industrial relations, and legal support through a distinctly Catholic lens. We work alongside organisations to strengthen their in-house capability, offering practical advice and representation on everything from day-to-day employment matters and workplace training to complex investigations, enterprise bargaining, dispute resolution, policy development, workforce planning, and legal compliance. Serving Catholic schools, Religious Institutes, health and social service providers, and other Catholic agencies, CER delivers end-to-end support that helps employers navigate workplace challenges with confidence while remaining aligned to Catholic values and mission. CER is a not-for-profit legal practice providing employment and industrial relations advice and representation to Catholic employers. CER is a wholly owned subsidiary of Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW).
About the role
We are seeking an energetic, highly organised Practice Assistant who takes ownership, demonstrates initiative, and thrives in a fast-paced environment, becoming the central support hub of our growing team. This is not a traditional administration role. We are looking for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is willing to roll up their sleeves and contribute wherever needed. One day you may be coordinating events, the next assisting with billing, responding to client enquiries, updating website content, supporting lawyers and consultants, or helping identify improvements to our systems and processes. The successful candidate will take ownership of their work, use initiative to solve problems, and actively look for ways to improve how the practice operates. They will be comfortable working independently, confident engaging with clients, and genuinely enjoy being part of a collaborative small team environment. Experience working with schools, diocesan organisations, Religious Institutes, Catholic agencies, or other faith-based organisations will be highly regarded, as will an understanding of the unique environments in which our clients operate.
This is a part time, three day per week position working in our Sydney CBD office.
Key responsibilities
Client and Practice Support
- Be the first point of contact for telephone and email enquiries, ensuring clients receive a responsive and professional experience.
- Monitor enquiries and ensure matters are directed promptly to the appropriate team member and followed through.
- Build positive relationships with clients and stakeholders through proactive and professional communication.
- Assist in maintaining accurate client, matter and contact records across practice systems.
Practice Operations
- Assist with preparing and reconciling monthly client work-in-progress (WIP) reports and billing information.
- Support invoicing processes and follow up outstanding accounts in a professional and courteous manner.
- Maintain clear records and ensure continuity of work through effective handovers and task management.
- Support the ongoing administration and efficient operation of the practice.
Team and Continuous Improvement
- Contribute actively to team discussions and identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and client service delivery.
- Provide administrative and project support across the business as required.
- Take ownership of tasks and proactively identify issues before they become problems.
- Act as a key connector across the team, helping facilitate communication, collaboration and coordination.
- Support events set up (assist the Head of Marketing & Engagement) and post-event activities such as reporting and resource distribution.
- Undertake other duties consistent with the role that contribute to the overall success of the practice.
About you
- Experience in practice administration, office management, legal support, accounts administration, HR administration or a similar role.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and confidence working with reports, billing information and financial records.
- Professional communication skills with a confident and approachable telephone manner.
- Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to take ownership of outcomes.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Commitment to exceptional client service.
- Entitled to work in Australia.
- Current NSW Working with Children Check.
Why Join CER?
Join a collaborative, purpose-driven organisation supporting Catholic employers across Australia, where your initiative, professionalism and commitment to service excellence will make a meaningful contribution to both clients and colleagues in a varied and rewarding role.
Other benefits we offer:
- Newly renovated offices in the heart of Sydney's CBD
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities
- Salary packaging and novated leasing options
- 35-hour working week
- Additional paid leave during the Christmas shutdown period
- Three additional days of Special Leave per annum (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Two additional days of paid Personal/Carer's Leave after one year of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
You must have full legal rights to work in Australia with no restrictions.
CER and CSNSW only engage people who are suitable to work with children and has developed and implemented child safe human resources practices accordingly.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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Contact Details:
Catholic Employment Relations Recruitment Team
