The Organisation

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

Be part of the journey, led the charge in SA to seek improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by taking action to reduce the inequitable and avoidable differences between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.

The Senior Project Officer, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), leads strategic planning, advocacy, and sector development initiatives to promote culturally safe, community-led responses to alcohol and other drug (AOD) use across South Australia. The position works closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), government agencies, and mainstream services to strengthen service capacity, workforce capability, and data-informed quality improvement.

The Senior Project Officer, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), is accountable to and reports to the Manager, Substance Misuse and Social and Emotional Wellbeing. The role works in close partnership with AHCSA staff - particularly members of the Substance Misuse and Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team - and maintains strong, respectful relationships with Member Services, Aboriginal communities, and other key stakeholders.

Essential Experience

• Experience in a service delivery role within the alcohol and other drugs sector, including working with Aboriginal people and organisations and drawing upon an understanding of the prevention continuum, from health promotion to prevention to treatment to recovery, and its application to alcohol and other drugs.
• Experience working collaboratively with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), government agencies, and mainstream services.
• Experience conducting service mapping, sector scoping, and community-informed needs assessments.

Desirable Experience

• Experience designing and delivering culturally responsive training programs, especially in AOD or mental health contexts.
• Proven track record advocating for policy reform, especially in culturally safe and community-led health initiatives.
• Knowledge of clinical information systems and data collection processes relevant to AOD services (e.g. AODTS NMDS).
• Experience using data for continuous quality improvement, program evaluation, and service planning.
• Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, Community services, Alcohol and Other Drugs or equivalent, OR
• Degree or Diploma in Public Health, Health Sciences, Primary Health Care or related 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
• 12 month, full time, fixed term contract

Special Conditions

• National Police Certificate required.
• Requires the ability to travel intra-state and interstate, including overnight absences.
• Out-of-hours work may be required.
• Working With Children Screening required.
• Possession of a current driver’s license is essential.

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/

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process please contact Megan Kivell from Perks People Solutions – [email protected]

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

Closing Date for applications: 15th October 2025

This position may be filled prior to the closing date of the advertisement. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.