Application deadline: Wednesday 25 June 2025

About the organisation

Pika Wiya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (PWHSAC) is an exciting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service which offers comprehensive primary health care, mental health, social support, that addresses preventative, promotive and curative aspects of health, which encourages our community to achieve greater dignity and quality of life equal with all Australians.

We offer health and wellbeing services to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Port Augusta and the surrounding catchment area, with clinics located at Dartmouth Street, Port Augusta, Davenport, Copley and Nepabunna.

Position Summary

The position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) has a major role in supporting Pika Wiya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (PWHSAC) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with the management and leadership of clinical and the various programs, ensuring legislative and service agreement compliance.

The focus of this position is to oversee and manage the primary health care clinical services and programs areas, including budgets, staffing, administration, planning and the delivery of services in line with agreed contractual arrangements with various funding bodies at a state and federal level.

It includes the monitoring and development of programs and ensuring timely reporting to the Board of Directors though the CEO and to the individual funding bodies.

The COO:

Works closely with senior staff including the CEO, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Senior Administration/Finance Officer, Clinic Services Manager and Program Team leaders in delivering a harmonised and effective service within the designated catchment area.

Is responsible and accountable for the efficient operations of the business to support the CEO and service delivery.

Reports directly to the CEO and has close links to the CFO, clinical services and programs and various team leaders together with their associated staff members.

Is part of the PWHSAC Executive group.

Is responsible for human resources (HR), facilities management and assets, legal, information technology (IT) and administration.

Key Accountabilities

Include:

Working with a range of clinical services and programs delivered to the community, including:

Maintaining responsibility for ensuring all programs meet the relevant standards

Maintaining effective communication with other parts of PWHSAC, the community and funding bodies

Contributing to the maximisation of revenue

Maintaining close working relationships with the CEO, CFO and Senior Executive group

Essential Characteristics/Requirements

Education/Qualifications

Tertiary (formal) qualifications in a suitable field, including, but not limited to, business, project management, health administration, primary health care, or similar.

Experience

Proven experience in:

Leadership, management and the supervision of staff in an office management or clinical setting to achieve specific outcomes;

Organisational and resources management including physical, financial and human resources;

The use of information technology-based systems, including word processing packages, electronic mail, databases and spreadsheets;

A range of strategic planning and project management activities involving both teamwork and individual effort;

Service evaluation, performance monitoring and continuous quality improvement activities;

Working within an Aboriginal Primary Health Care Setting, Aboriginal Community Control Health Service or Primary and Tertiary Health Sectors; and

Developing effective working relationships and partnerships across government and non-government departments, funding groups and community groups.

Knowledge

Strong understanding of:

Aboriginal culture and contemporary issues;

Aboriginal Primary Health Care Principles and how they apply within a health setting; and

The principles and practices associated with Work Health and Safety, Injury Management, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Industrial Relations legislation.

Personal Skills/Abilities

Demonstrated:

Leadership, coordination and management skills in relation to staffing, team building and problem solving;

Ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people in a way which displays empathy and cultural understanding and sensitivity;

Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to develop, implement and evaluate services/programs that are flexible, creative and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal peoples and communities;

Planning skills;

Effective oral and written communication skills; and

Ability to plan, organise, manage and administer significant projects, and work at both senior management level and with Aboriginal clients to achieve successful outcomes.

Desirable Characteristics/Requirements

Knowledge:

Strong understanding of issues and priorities in the planning of health services to Aboriginal communities.

Personal Skills/Abilities:

Demonstrated ability to support the values consistent with the aims of the PWHSAC.

Special Conditions

Include:

Appointment to the COO position is subject to a satisfactory National Police/Criminal Record Check and any other relevant background checks determined by area of work, obtained through the Screening Unit, Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI). All checks are to be renewed every 3 years thereafter from date of issue prior to the due date to enable continuity of employment.

How to apply

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity (under section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984).

In order to apply please provide a current resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience via SEEK.

For a confidential discussion on this role, please contact Frank on 0411 514 453, or email [email protected] . Or please find us at www.3emus.com.au

Our client is an equal opportunity employer and accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.