Aboriginal Research Assistant – Dental Service Evaluation

Aboriginal Research Assistant – Dental Service Evaluation

Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services (EDAS) | Part-Time Fixed Term (0.5 FTE) 15.2 Hours per week | 18-Month Contract | Central Coast NSW

Are you passionate about improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities and interested in developing your research skills in a culturally safe, community-led environment?

Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services (EDAS), in partnership with The George Institute, is seeking an Aboriginal Research Assistant to support an exciting evaluation of the Eleanor Duncan Dental Service. This unique service partnership aims to improve access to culturally safe dental care for Aboriginal community members on Darkinjung Country.

This role offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while building practical skills in community engagement, health services research, and evaluation.

About the Project

The evaluation is a community-led initiative designed to better understand the outcomes, costs, and value of the Eleanor Duncan Dental Service and identify opportunities for future improvement. The project includes yarning circles, interviews, service utilisation analysis and economic evaluation, guided by an Aboriginal Community Reference Group to ensure community voices remain at the centre of the work.

About the Role

As the Aboriginal Research Assistant, you will work closely with EDAS, The George Institute, and community members to support the delivery of evaluation activities. You will assist with community engagement, participant recruitment, data collection, project administration, and the coordination of research activities.

This position has been designed to support Aboriginal research capacity building through mentorship, training and hands-on experience in community-led research and health evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of research and evaluation activities in partnership with EDAS and The George Institute.
• Build and maintain culturally safe relationships with Aboriginal community members and stakeholders.
• Assist with participant recruitment using community-led and culturally appropriate approaches.
• Coordinate and support yarning circles, interviews, focus groups and Community Reference Group meetings.
• Prepare research materials and maintain project records.
• Assist with data collection activities in line with approved research protocols.
• Prepare meeting notes, community feedback reports and project documentation.
• Participate in project and study team meetings and contribute to project outcomes.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a strong understanding of Aboriginal health, wellbeing and the barriers Aboriginal people may experience when accessing services.
• Has experience engaging with Aboriginal communities and building strong relationships.
• Has experience working within community-based Aboriginal programs.
• Demonstrates effective written communication and report writing skills.
• Possesses sound problem-solving, organisation and negotiation skills.
• Has basic computer and administrative skills.
• Is motivated to learn and develop skills in research and evaluation.
• Current Working with Children Check or Willing to obtain
• Satisfactory National Police check
• NDIS worker Check or Willingness to obtain

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful community-led research project.
• Mentorship and professional development in Aboriginal health research.
• Hands-on experience in evaluation, community engagement and health services research.
• Flexible part-time employment (0.5 FTE).
• Work with respected partners including EDAS, The George Institute and local community stakeholders.

Position Details

Aboriginal Identified Position

This is an Identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Position. The occupant must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and be accepted by their Aboriginal community. This is a genuine occupational qualification authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Apply Now

If you are passionate about improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities and would like to gain valuable experience in health research and evaluation, we encourage you to apply.

Join us in helping shape the future of culturally safe dental services for Aboriginal people on the Central Coast.