Eligibility
These are Affirmative Measures – First Nations applicants only positions.
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. To be eligible to apply under the Affirmative Measures Initiative, applicants must:
- be an Aboriginal person and/or a Torres Strait Islander person
- identify as an Aboriginal person and/or a Torres Strait Islander person, and be accepted by their community as being and Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander person
Successfulapplicants will be required to provide evidence of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status before being appointed to the role.
This role is an Indigenous Identified position. Please do not apply if you do not identify as Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
About the Corporation
Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC) is the peak advocacy and support agency for the Larrakia people, the traditional landowners of the Greater Darwin area. Initially established in 1998 to represent the Native Title interests of the Larrakia people, the LNAC has since evolved into a vital service delivery organisation focussed on addressing the social, cultural and economic aspirations of the Larrakia people by initiating and administering programs, projects and services for the broader Aboriginal community.
LNAC is a not-for-profit organisation, receiving the majority of its operating expenses from funding from the NTG & Commonwealth Government.
LNAC was placed under special administration in June 2016. Special administration is a special measure under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) to help corporations fix their internal problems. Once this is achieved, control is returned to the members.
About the program
The Darwin Palmerston Day/Night Patrol (DPNP) Service aims to prevent alcohol related disputes, problems and conflict in the Darwin and Palmerston area through dispute resolution and transporting vulnerable persons to a place of safety or a sobering-up shelter.
Health Engagement and Assistance in the Long-grass (HEAL) improves the health of homeless Aboriginal people in Darwin through the provision of therapeutic activities, education, case management, care coordination, distribution of healthcare items and linkage of clients with healthcare providers.
Return to Country provides services to people who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, camping illegally in public places or affected by antisocial behaviour in public places, or is identified by the service or other agencies as requiring transport to their community.
Benefits and perks
Conditions of employment covered by the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation Enterprise Agreement 2024. Salary range starting at $67.68 per hour. Option to salary package a maximum of $15,899 from your gross salary each year; 5 weeks annual leave per year; and a 35-hour week. We have a dedicated employee assistance program and excellent training and development opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
OBJECTIVE: Provide leadership and operational management of Larrakia Nation’s Outreach Programs, including the Day Patrol and Night Patrol (DPNP), Return to Country (RTC) and Healthy Engagement and Assistance in the Long grass (HEAL) Programs, ensuring culturally safe, responsive and high-quality services are delivered in accordance with contractual obligations, community needs and LNAC's strategic priorities.
- Provide leadership, management and forward planning of the Outreach Programs to ensure effective service delivery in accordance with funding agreements, LNAC policies and strategic priorities.
- Manage the day-to-day performance of the DPNP, RTC and HEAL Programs, providing clear direction and support to Program Coordinators, Team Leaders and frontline staff.
- Ensure contractual obligations, service targets, performance indicators, data collection and reporting requirements are achieved and appropriately monitored.
- Manage program budgets and expenditure to ensure services operate within approved grant budgets and funding conditions
- Lead and manage program staff, including workforce planning, recruitment, supervision, performance management, staff wellbeing and professional development.
- Build the capability of staff through mentoring, training, leadership development and career progression opportunities.
- Ensure culturally safe and client-focused service delivery, including effective client engagement, referrals, case management and appropriate record keeping.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, Aboriginal organisations, community services, Federal and NT police and other key stakeholders, and represent LNAC at relevant meetings and forums.
- Identify emerging community needs, service gaps and opportunities to strengthen or expand Outreach services, including contributing to funding submissions, grant applications and proposals.
- Ensure program assets, vehicles, equipment and facilities are appropriately managed, maintained and used in accordance with LNAC policies and procedures.
- Maintain effective risk, incident and Work Health and Safety management processes, ensuring significant operational, staffing, client and safety matters are appropriately managed and escalated.
- Drive continuous improvement and work collaboratively with senior management and other LNAC programs to strengthen service delivery, client outcomes and achievement of LNAC's broader organisational objectives.
Key qualities
LNAC considers that the following personal qualities are vital to the Program Manager
Organisational
- Accountability for management of the Outreach Programs
- Accountability for management of the Outreach Program resources
- Demonstrated ability to manage several teams in a team environment and autonomously as required
- Understanding of professional development and training needs
- Assist in operational and strategic planning
Personal Attributes
- Flexibility to adapt to new situations as they arise
- Possess drive, commitment and a sense of humour
- Ability to work within tight timeframes and regularly monitor deliverables
- Ability to source cooperation and assistance from other staff, management and community members
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and manner
- Willingness to adapt to work in a challenging environment
- Genuine appreciation of Indigenous people and culture
Commitment, Attitude and Application to Duties
- Provide courteous and prompt attention to information requests
- Demonstration of a positive and proactive attitude with strong initiative
- Promote the organisation in a positive manner at all times
- Take reasonable care to ensure one’s own safety at work and that of other staff within the workplace
- Observe all safe work practices
Key Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated experience in multiple program management, including financial management and reporting, and delivery of services according to contractual obligations
- Proven experience in staff and team management, including strong leadership qualities and the ability to develop and maintain the respect and loyalty of staff
- Experience in the management of multiple teams to achieve specified objectives
- Knowledge and experience in working with Aboriginal people
- Demonstrated understanding of the issues which impact on the day-to-day lives of Darwin’s homeless Aboriginal people
- Qualifications and/or proven experience in Public Health, Environmental Health, Social Work, Community Services or similar
- Highly developed cross cultural, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Experience and competence in the use of a range of information technologies and applications, including Microsoft Office
- Current NT Driver’s Licence (C Class minimum) – Manual Driving Required, current Working with Children Check, and Police check (issued within 3 months)
It would be considered an advantage if applicants also possess:
- Knowledge of the local services and agencies in Darwin, NT
- Previous experience working in the Community Service Sector or knowledge and understanding of service providers and agencies in the Darwin and Palmerston areas to which Indigenous persons involved or affected by alcohol related disputes, problems and conflict can be referred
- Identify as Larrakia
Applicants are required to undergo Drug and Alcohol testing if you are in the final selection as part of the recruitment process.
To apply for this role, please click the 'apply now' button and upload your resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria. To be eligible for consideration you must answer the questionnaire and attach current copies of your Driver's licence, Working with Children check, National Police check (within three months). Direct applications made to LNAC staff will not be accepted.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be contacted prior to the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.
Applications close Sunday, 13 September 2026