The opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to join ReturnToWorkSA’s Enforcement team, playing a critical role in protecting the integrity and fairness of the Return to Work scheme. You will contribute to meaningful outcomes for South Australians by supporting a regulatory environment that promotes compliance, deters wrongdoing, and upholds community trust. Working in a collaborative and values-driven organisation, you will be part of a team committed to excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The position
As Principal Investigator, you will lead complex investigations into suspected non-compliance and offences under the Return to Work Act, applying advanced investigative techniques and legislative expertise. The role involves gathering and assessing evidence, managing prosecution processes, and partnering with internal and external stakeholders, including our claims agents, external investigations providers, legal providers and law enforcement. You will also deliver investigative expertise to the Return to work Scheme, contribute to enforcement strategy, process improvement, and the development of best-practice investigation approaches.

We are open to both part-time (0.8 FTE) and full-time (1.0 FTE) arrangements for this role

About you
The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in criminal investigations within a regulatory or law enforcement environment, supported by a Certificate IV in Government Investigations or equivalent training. You will have a demonstrated track record in managing complex investigations within medium to large organisations, with experience in a State or Commonwealth regulatory body highly regarded. An understanding of workers’ compensation frameworks and employment law will be advantageous.

You are a highly capable professional with well-developed written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical and problem-solving ability, and a proven capacity to influence and engage stakeholders. With excellent time management, sound judgement, and personal resilience, you consistently deliver high-quality, evidence-based outcomes. This is a rare opportunity to contribute your expertise within a values-driven organisation, playing a key role in strengthening scheme integrity and delivering meaningful outcomes for South Australians.

About ReturnToWorkSA
At ReturnToWorkSA, our purpose is to empower and support South Australians impacted by work injury.

Our services and those delivered by our claims agents are designed to provide early intervention support to workers and employers following a work injury to ensure the worker can recover and return to work as quickly as possible. We manage the collection of premium payments from registered employers and our invested funds to ensure we maintain a viable financial position that enables the delivery of quality support and services to injured workers.

In addition, we are the regulator of the Return to Work scheme and play the key role of protecting the integrity and fairness of the Scheme by monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Act and providing education and support about the health benefits of work.

Why join us? 
Experience a workplace culture that rewards your contribution and provides the development and support to help you reach your potential. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where our people can genuinely make a difference to the lives of South Australians affected by work injury. At ReturnToWorkSA, you can expect a range of benefits including:

• an extensive wellbeing program
  • access to a broad range of wellbeing seminars, webinars and information sessions
  • a free onsite gym and bike storage
  • discounted corporate private health insurance
  • and a proactive EAP provider
• flexible work options including part time and working from home
• access to learning and development programs to enhance your personal and professional skill set and career development
• modern offices with excellent amenities in the Adelaide CBD

Special requirements/Conditions

• extensive criminal investigation experience
• extensive experience in an investigative role for a regulatory body (either State or Commonwealth) or law enforcement
• Certificate IV in Government Investigations or equivalent law enforcement training is essential
• current driver’s license
• appointment is subject to relevant pre-employment checks

Further information
Candidates will also be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate personal and professional alignment with ReturnToWorkSA’s organisational values which are critical to our success: We care about people and sustainability; We are inclusive and innovative; We listen to understand; and We own our actions.

 Principal Investigator PD - Enforcement - May 2026.pdf

The total remuneration package for this position is starting from $120,369 (exclusive of superannuation). The final offer will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills and experiences.

How to apply
Please submit a cover letter demonstrating your key capabilities and experience supported by your current resume addressed to Chris Spiteri – Leader Enforcement, by 5:00pm Friday 10 July 2026. If you would like to discuss the position further, Chris can be contacted on 08 8233 2136.

Please note that shortlisting and interviewing for this role will commence immediately. We encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Inclusion and acceptance
ReturnToWorkSA is an equal opportunity employer, valuing difference and embracing diversity and we promote flexible ways of working, applicants are encouraged to discuss any workplace adjustments that might be needed as well as the flexible working arrangements for this role.

Still not sure?
We are proud to be recognised as an Endorsed Employer for All Women by WORK180. Research indicates that up to 60% of women and underrepresented groups may hesitate to proceed, even after completing a draft application. We firmly believe that diversity enhances the strength of every team, so even if you don’t tick all the boxes we still want to hear from you.