The Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Limited (AHCSA) is the peak body representing Aboriginal community-controlled health and substance misuse services in South Australia at state and national levels.

Our primary role is to be the ‘health voice’ for all Aboriginal people in South Australia. We achieve this by advocating for the community and supporting workers through our Member Services with appropriate Aboriginal health programs based on a holistic perspective of health.

Broad Purpose of the Role

The Manager, Substance Misuse and Social and Emotional Wellbeing (Manager) leads the Substance Misuse and Social and Emotional Wellbeing team in designing and delivering impactful programs, projects and strategies that enhance the wellbeing of Aboriginal people by preventing substance misuse and supporting mental health.

The position provides oversight and leadership across the key areas of smoking and vaping; alcohol and other drugs; mental health support; and suicide prevention, crisis management and aftercare. The Manager ensures these programs align with funding requirements, and other standards, while building the capacity of ACCHSs to deliver high quality support to their communities.

The Manager works closely with key stakeholders to develop best practice approaches, advocating for the critical role of the ACCH sector in addressing substance misuse and social and emotional wellbeing issues, and ensuring the sector receives the necessary support to effectively tackle these challenges.

The Manager is accountable to and reports to the General Manager, Primary Health Programs. It is responsible for managing a team of health professionals with expertise in substance misuse and social and emotional wellbeing approaches.

The position works under limited direction and has management responsibility for the delivery of Substance Misuse and Social and Emotional Wellbeing programs and projects, in line with funding requirements, and agreed AHCSA frameworks, policies, procedures and other requirements.

The position supports all staff with information, expert advice, consultation and assistance with substance misuse and social and emotional wellbeing matters and works collaboratively with Member Services to build their capacity to address substance misuse and promote social and emotional wellbeing in their communities. It is also responsible for building and maintaining productive relationships with key stakeholders, including funding bodies.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development and Management: Leading the co-design, coordination, and transition (where appropriate) of priority substance misuse prevention and emotional wellbeing programs and projects, ensuring skills transfer and operational alignment with Member Services

Engagement and Partnerships: Overseeing efforts to collaborate and partner with ACCHSs and other key stakeholders to progress substance misuse prevention and emotional wellbeing services and initiatives

Data Management, Monitoring and Evaluation: Overseeing data collection, analysis and reporting to demonstrate the outcomes of substance misuse and social and emotional wellbeing programs and projects, identify opportunities for improvement and inform new approaches

Advocacy and Advice: Providing policy consultation and advice on substance misuse and social and emotional wellbeing issues affecting Aboriginal people and communities and promoting the role of the ACCH sector in addressing these

Team Leadership: Fostering a productive and supportive environment and providing leadership for Substance Misuse and Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team members

Essential Experience

Experience in a senior management role within the health sector, with a proven track record in leading sector development initiatives, workforce capacity building, strategic planning, and building effective partnerships.

Experience working in a senior role in public health, drawing upon a solid understanding of public health needs, priorities, epidemiology, specific trends for Aboriginal communities, and specialised knowledge in social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD).

Experience engaging with Aboriginal community members and key stakeholders in the field of Aboriginal health, including government and non-government stakeholders, to drive positive health outcomes.

Experience in developing, managing and leading projects, programs and teams within mainstream health services or Aboriginal community-controlled services, with a proven track record of driving successful initiatives.

Desirable Experience

Experience in Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations, demonstrating a solid understanding of their operational and governance structures, cultural context, and the specific health needs of Aboriginal communities.

Extensive experience in critically reviewing relevant research and evaluation studies, leading efforts to implement findings for practical application in organisational strategies and programs to ensure evidence based best practice and innovation.

Degree or Diploma in Public Health, Health Sciences, Primary Health Care or related field.

Master of Public Health or other tertiary qualification in a relevant field.

What we offer

The opportunity to join the peak body representing Aboriginal community-controlled health and substance misuse services in South Australia

A workplace that encourages work/life balance

An inclusive and diverse workplace

Great salary package and benefits

Generous leave provisions

Special Conditions

Out of normal hours work may be required.

Requires the ability to travel intra-state and interstate, including overnight absences.

National Police Certificate is required.

Working with Children Screening may be required.

Conditions of Employment

A valid National Police Certificate will be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position.

Please note that you may be required to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccinations.

A valid Driver’s License is required

How to apply

Please apply via SEEK.

To be considered for the role you are required to submit a Resume and Suitability Statement of no more than 5 pages.

The Suitability Statement has to address the Statement of Key Responsibilities of the Job and Person Specification. Only applications that have addressed the Statement of Key Responsibilities will be considered.

Visit our webpage to find the Job and Person Specification under the Work With Us tab - https://ahcsa.org.au/work-with-us/current-opportunities/ or you can contact Julian Snook, Human Resources Manager for any other queries via [email protected].

Please note, late applications will not be accepted and no agencies please

Closing Date for applications: 30th May 2025

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply

This position may be filled prior to the closing date of the Advertisement.