Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Worker

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities.  We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better.  It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Location: Townsville, QLD Employment

Type: Full-Time

Classification: SCHADS Award Level 4
Strengthen culture. Build connections. Create lasting change.

The Salvation Army is seeking a passionate and dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Worker to join our Townsville Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Centre.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape culturally safe, responsive and inclusive service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Working alongside our multidisciplinary team, you will strengthen cultural capability across the service, build meaningful partnerships with local communities and organisations, and ensure participants receive culturally appropriate support throughout their recovery journey.

About the role

As the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Worker, you will play a key role in strengthening cultural safety and embedding culturally responsive practices across the Townsville AOD Centre.

You will:

• Provide cultural guidance and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants accessing AOD services.
• Build strong relationships with local Elders, Traditional Owners, community organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
• Increase referral pathways and improve access to culturally appropriate services and supports.
• Lead and influence discussions that strengthen cultural capability within service delivery.
• Work collaboratively with Centre Managers and staff to enhance cultural competency across AOD services in Queensland.
• Champion The Salvation Army's Cultural Capability and Competency Framework at a local service level.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, source and deliver culturally appropriate resources, education and training.
• Facilitate and support Yarning Circles, Learning Circles and other culturally meaningful activities.
• Conduct regular cultural safety reviews of the service environment and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide cultural advice and input into participant case planning to ensure cultural needs are recognised and respected.
• Develop and implement strategies that strengthen cultural capability across the service.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and key stakeholders.
• Stay informed of current research, legislation, policies and best practice impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Participate in management meetings, case reviews and service planning.
• Contribute to reporting, quality improvement initiatives and service evaluations.
• Support continuous improvement through data analysis, practice development and implementation of culturally responsive service improvements.

About you

You are a respected community member or professional with a genuine passion for improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You understand the importance of culturally safe practice and enjoy working collaboratively to create meaningful and lasting change.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Experience building trusted relationships with communities, Elders and key stakeholders.
• The ability to influence, educate and support leaders and teams to strengthen culturally responsive practice.
• Experience managing complex issues and delivering culturally appropriate solutions.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and experience, or an equivalent combination of qualifications, specialised skills and demonstrated experience.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to continuous learning and culturally informed practice. 

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including: 

• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as: Burra Burra Network (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts. 

Special Measures Provision

This is an Identified Position. In accordance with Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), it is a genuine occupational requirement that the successful applicant identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

How to apply

If you are passionate about strengthening cultural capability, building community connections and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we encourage you to apply and join us in creating hope and positive change. Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the requirements of the role.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.