Crossword Genius

One in charge if back in the workforce (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

officer

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'workforce' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'one in charge if back in' is the wordplay.
'one in charge' becomes 'ic' (abbreviation for 'in charge').
'if' becomes 'reffo' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'reffo' back-to-front is 'offer'.
'ic' put into 'offer' is 'OFFICER'.

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for officer that I've seen before include "served in the wardroom" , "Policeman/policewoman" , "Commissioned member of the services" , "9 across" , "One holding post" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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