Specialist - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement and Employment (50D)

Ruah aims to promote measures to achieve equality. Under Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginality is a genuine requirement for this position.

Specialist - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement and Employment

We have an exciting opportunity to work as a Specialist in our People and Culture team. Reporting to the Head of People and Culture, you will drive opportunities for Aboriginal employment, development, retention and career pathways across Ruah. 

This is a pivotal role dedicated to advancing Ruah’s commitment to Reconciliation. This position strengthens relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, enhances cultural safety, and drives sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes.

You will lead initiatives to attract, retain, and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff across Ruah, provide cultural advice and consultation across People & Culture functions, and partner with internal stakeholders to embed cultural knowledge and understanding into organisational practices.

Through this work, you will play a critical role in ensuring Ruah is a culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace that supports the success and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and contributes to the objectives of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

This role will also work closely with the People & Culture Partnering team to provide guidance and support on any employee relations matters involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

This is a full time, permanent position (38 hours per week), Monday - Friday between the hours of 8am-5pm. The role is based in the Shenton Street office in Northbridge with a requirement to visit different Ruah office locations as required.

To be successful in this role you will be expected to bring a high level of cultural competency with an ability to support and build culturally safe work environments focused on improving client outcomes.

What we are looking for?

A Specialist in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement and employment supporting People and Culture by driving leadership of;

• Recruitment
• Employee relations issues
• Performance development
• Training & Development Review cultural competency developing new modules or programs including tools and resource to support increasing cultural capacity and capability across Ruah

Under Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginality is a genuine requirement for this position.

What do we offer?

• An opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team
• A competitive salary
• 5 weeks annual leave 
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexibility to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service). 
• Free, independent and confidential access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover (insurance for when you're getting to and from work).
• Incredibly valuable Salary Packaging (to extend your take home pay) with:
• up to $15,900 core packaging
• an additional $2,650 in meal entertainment packaging
• benefits for salary packaging travel, accommodation, parking fees, education expenses and more!
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much, much more! 

Specialist experience and selection criteria

This role would suit a candidate with demonstrated experience in leadership and management roles in human resources and/or learning and development.

It is expected that the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience within in human resources and/or learning and development, with a strong commitment to driving positive changes and improving employment outcomes.
• Knowledge of employment practices (recruitment, employee relations, performance development, etc.), and training and development, including the design, development and delivery and embedding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness programs aligned to operational and strategic objectives.  
• Highly developed cultural capability with an ability to foster culturally safe workplaces, apply trauma-informed approaches and support initiatives for improving client outcomes.  
•  Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and inspire through written communication  public speaking, with highly developed interpersonal skills
• ·Demonstrated applied knowledge and experience across the areas of data analysis, risk management, financial management, including an ability to prepare budgets, business plans and funding submissions. 
• Have a collaborative and adaptable approach, able to work independently while building strong partnerships with colleagues and stakeholders to share insights, drive innovations that are sustainable. 

Required compliance documents:

• Current drivers’ license
• National Police Clearance Certificate

Please refer to the position description for further details.

How to apply

If you are interested in this position, click apply at the top of the page. Please submit a cover page addressing the selection criteria of no more than 3 pages along with a copy of your CV.

Closing date for applications: extended to 10 October 2025

For further information or a confidential discussion about the position please contact:

Gaynor Rowlands Head of People & Culture - gaynor.rowlands@ruah.org.au or Ruah Executive Cultural Advisor Gail Beck gail.beck@ruah.org.au

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.

 Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.