As Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, HCF is dedicated to Uncommon Care, which means prioritising people over profit and delivering exceptional member experiences. We aim to transform healthcare by making it understandable, affordable, and high-quality. We’re more than just a health fund; we provide comprehensive health and wellness protection while continuously seeking innovative ways to offer peace of mind and safeguard our members.

About the Role

The Legal Counsel is responsible for overseeing legal risk management controls across the HCF Group. The successful candidate will provide legal advice and support to internal business units as part of a managed outsource model. In addition, the successful candidate will: conduct legislative and regulatory monitoring in accordance with responsibilities set out in the Legislative and Regulatory Monitoring Procedure; work closely with and support other functions within Governance; and manage legal service providers and HCF group legal costs.

Reporting the Senior Legal Counsel the Legal Counsel is required to:

• Review, draft and negotiate legal contracts (i.e. third party supplier agreements, confidentiality agreements, licence agreements and research agreements) for the HCF Group (including the HCF Research Foundation);
• Manage the HCF Group Contracts Register;
• Ensure staff at all levels understand their responsibilities in relation to legal contracts and what support can be provided by HCF Legal.
• Provide legal advice to the HCF Group as required;
• Brief HCF Group Legal Panel firms for advice as required;
• Ensure advice received from HCF Group Legal Panel firms is in plain English and fits the requirements of the relevant business unit.
• Support the Senior Legal Counsel with business as usual activities as and when required 
• Monitor, report and actively participate in Legislative and Regulatory Monitoring Meetings in accordance with the responsibilities set out in the Legislative and Regulatory Monitoring Procedure;
• Keep up to date with legislative and regulatory developments impacting Governance and advising Directors and Management (as applicable) on legal compliance and risk factors.
• Provide legal training to the relevant business units as required;
• Keep up to date with legal developments and practices and understanding their interrelationship with legal risk and compliance and other assurance practices.

About You

The ideal candidate will have the following required qualifications, skills and experience:

Required skills include:

• A law degree from a recognised Australian or overseas institution
• Approximately 3-5 years post admission experience preferably in both a private practice and in-house environment
• Strong knowledge of corporate and commercial law and financial services
• Ability to engage staff at all levels of the organisation through strong interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to set priorities and to ensure that objectives are met
• Sound judgement applied to complex decision making
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills
• Excellent and effective written and communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proven generalist experience and the ability to work at both strategic and operational levels
• Eagerness to contribute to a dynamic and collaborative environment

Desirable skills include:

• Experience of Private Health Insurance
• Experience of Privacy law

Culture & Benefits

Purpose-driven passion
At HCF, we’re united by a common purpose: to make healthcare affordable, understandable, high quality and member-focused.

Wellness and work-life balance
We’ll empower you with the necessary skills and tools to support your personal wellbeing journey, ensuring you perform at your best. Our offerings include:

• 50% subsidy on HCF hospital and/or extras cover
• 18 weeks of parental leave for all new parents
• Mental health and wellbeing programs, including workshops, fitness classes, flu vaccinations, skin checks and more
• Discounts on HCF’s products, including life, pet and travel Insurance, as well as discounts at Fitness First gyms and on our eyecare products.

Collaboration and inclusivity
We embrace diversity as our strength and are committed to maintaining an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Our workplace is welcoming and safe for all our employees, irrespective of their unique characteristics including age, ethnicity, cultural or spiritual background, gender identity, disability, education and socio-economic status.

Continuous learning and growth
We believe in lifelong learning. HCF provides opportunities for personal and professional development. From workshops to mentorship programs, we encourage your growth and curiosity.

Next steps

If you require any adjustments to assist you in making your application or during the recruitment or onboarding process, please reach out to Talent Acquisition – vacancy@hcf.com.au to discuss.

We encourage applicants to submit their applications at their earliest convenience, as at HCF, we review applications as they are submitted, and may have filled the role prior to the job closing date.