Policy Officer - NDIS

About The Organisation

AMSANT is the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Northern Territory and advocates for equity in health, focusing on supporting the provision of high quality comprehensive primary health care services for Aboriginal communities.

Benefits

• Salary packaging up to $15,899.94 pa.
• Employer Superannuation contribution.
• 6 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading
• Personal/carer’s leave up to 15 days per year.
• 10 Days per year Study leave can be negotiated.
• Professional Development opportunities up to $3,000 per year
• 10 days Ceremonial Leave
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Program for work and non-work related
• Ex-Gratia leave of 3 paid days during Christmas close down (excl. casuals)

Work hours: Full-Time/Part-Time (0.8 – 1 FTE), Monday-Friday 08:00am - 04:30pm

Location: Darwin/Alice Springs

Applications close: COB Thursday 28 August 2025-Applications will be reviewed upon receipt

Salary: $108, 746. 60 – $ 121, 936.19 p.a + 12% Superannuation

Role Description: 

Reporting to the Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager, the AMSANT NDIS Policy Officer provides strategic advice on policy, research and other issues related to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.

The role will suit applicants with the ability to think strategically, informing and influencing the National Disability Insurance Agency’s renewed focus on improving access and utilisation of disability supports and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.

The position supports the Policy, Research and Advocacy Manger in coordinating and overseeing AMSANT’s strategic policy, research, and advocacy priorities. This role will have a strong focus in fostering strong stakeholder relationships for AMSANT, in support of the Aboriginal community-controlled health services (ACCHSs) sector in the NT. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide evidence-based policy expertise to support the community-controlled sector improve access and utilisation of disability supports and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability. This will be achieved through the delivery of high-quality research and sector consultation, analysis and policy setting.  
• Contribute to AMSANT’s on-going health policy, research and advocacy work by researching and drafting submissions, position papers, briefings, advocacy material, project proposals, presentations and/or content for public communications.
• Work collaboratively with staff, AMSANT members, and other external stakeholders to facilitate sector consultations and contribute to a range of committees, forums and meetings that shape the strategic policy, research and advocacy work agenda.
• Under the guidance of the PRA manager, provide internal leadership to support the on-going development of high-quality systems and processes that enable the continuous improvement of AMSANT’s policy, research and advocacy functions. 
• Support a range of secretariat functions carried out by the AMSANT Policy, Research and Advocacy team, including support for the Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager in preparing and coordinating all meetings of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Forum, Board, Members and committees. 
• Attend meetings, consultations and other engagements as required, representing the strategic interests of AMSANT and AMSANT member services - including liaising with organisations and governments within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on NDIS and disability policy and strategy issues.
• Other duties as agreed and directed by the Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager.

Selection Requirements (Qualifications & Attributes)

ESSENTIAL

• Tertiary qualifications in social science, health sciences, public health, or relevant area and/or commensurate professional experience.
• Previous experience across disability and NDIS-related policy, or a demonstrated ability to quickly acquire knowledge.
• Facilitation, engagement and relationship building skills, preferably with experience in working in the Aboriginal community-controlled sector. 
• An understanding of social policy and government processes, government departments and authorities, and policy frameworks as they relate to Aboriginal people.
• Awareness of the broader determinants of health and wellbeing that effect Aboriginal people at a population level.
• The capability to develop high-quality policy documents using research evidence and data, for a broad range of audiences.
• Strong proficiency in SharePoint and Office 365 software, and/or willingness to engage proactively in developing capabilities in this area.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to communicate effectively with management and staff across the organisation, external partners and stakeholders, and with Aboriginal people in particular.
• Willingness, ability and appropriate levels of health and fitness to travel to and work from remote locations.

DESIRABLE

• Qualifications in a related field, with experience in disability, alcohol reform and/or strategic communications and/or social sciences highly valuable.
• Experience working in an Aboriginal controlled organisation.
• Understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and histories.

Additional information:

• Original qualifications must be available for viewing and copies to be kept on personnel file.
• Applications must have an Ochre Card and a Current Police Check and/or ability to obtain these prior to commencement.
• Applicants must be able and willing to undertake travel throughout the NT and Interstate (sometimes as a light aircraft passenger) and possess a C class Driver’s Licence.

How to Apply:

Your application should consist of a resume and cover letter addressing the above selection criteria. Please address your cover letter to the Hiring Manager detailing why you wish to work at AMSANT, and the attributes, skills and experience you would bring to the role.

If you have any queries or would like any additional information about this role, please contact the HR team at HR@amsant.org.au.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply