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.

Summary of the role

The Senior Policy Officer is responsible for leading the development, coordination and advocacy of NDIS-related policy advice to improve access, participation and culturally safe service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.

Drawing on the Project Plan co-designed between NDIA, NACCHO and Affiliates in April 2025, the role analyses national and jurisdictional disability policy settings, workforce and service-delivery models within ACCHOs, and formulates evidence-based, culturally-informed recommendations that address systemic barriers and low Scheme uptake. It provides high-level briefings, correspondence and position papers for the benefit of NACCHO’s Executive, Board and NDIA, and forges and maintains strategic internal and external stakeholder networks.

This is a high-profile and collaborative role requiring advanced analytical, advocacy and strategic-influence skills, with a clear focus on supporting community-controlled co-design and Closing the Gap Priority Reforms.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Research, Analysis & Position Development: Developing evidence-informed policy positions to improve access and cultural safety in the NDIS for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

High Level Advice and Advocacy: Providing high-level, timely and strategic advice to influence NDIA decision-making and drive systemic reform

Stakeholder Engagement & Co-Design: Driving inclusive, culturally safe policy development through meaningful stakeholder engagement and collaborative co-design processes

Project Planning and Coordination: Delivering high-quality, timely and coordinated policy outputs aligned with a national co-designed Project Plan

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Strengthening sector capacity and promoting best practice through training, mentoring and the dissemination of practical policy tools

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting: Driving continuous improvement and accountability through data-informed analysis and strategic reporting

Essential Experience

Experience in disability and NDIS-related policy, including the development of culturally safe, community-led approaches to improve access and utilisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.

Demonstrated experience in providing high-quality policy advice supported by critical research, analysis, and synthesis, including managing complex and sensitive policy issues.

Proven ability to translate policy directions into practical program implementation and service delivery strategies within disability-related contexts.

Experience in analysing and interpreting data and evidence to identify trends, inform policy and practice, and develop well-supported position papers, reports, and strategic advice.

Experience working with or within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, demonstrating strong cultural competence and an understanding of effective community engagement and development practices.

Desirable Experience

Experience in an advisory or representative role, including liaising, negotiating, and advocating with senior stakeholders across government, the community-controlled sector, and the broader disability landscape.

Demonstrated excellence in stakeholder engagement and co-design within the disability and NDIS sector, including working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, government agencies, and community leaders to influence outcomes and build strong collaborative partnerships.

Qualifications in a relevant discipline, e.g. Public Policy, Public Health, Social Work, Disability Studies, Indigenous Health.

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.

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 the Human Resources team at [email protected].

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

Closing Date for applications: 20th August 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.