Indigenous Liaison Officer (Aps6)

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under sec 31 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner’s Directions 2022 and under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act  1975. This vacancy is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

About us 

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (the Commission) was formed on 1 January 2019. The Commission is focused on delivering a world class sector that safeguards the welfare and rights of consumers.   

We independently accredit, assess and monitor aged care services subsidised by the Australian Government, conduct home care investigations and determine provider compliance including whether any requirements or sanctions need to be imposed. We also resolve complaints about services. 

Our role as the national regulator is to ensure that consumers have confidence they will be treated with dignity and respect in receiving aged care services that are culturally safe, compassionate and of high quality, and deliver a valued experience. We are invested in engagement and education to:  

• build confidence and trust in aged care 
• empower consumers 
• support providers to comply with quality standards 
• promote best practice service provision

We have offices all over Australia with positions available in various regions.  

It is an exciting time to join the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, with major reforms underway to improve aged care in Australia.

Our responsibilities 

The Commission holds aged care providers to account for their performance regarding these expectations and obligations which includes working collaboratively with the Department of Health and Aged Care for those services funded under different models. 

We are also responsible for: 

• granting approval for providers to deliver aged care services 
• administering the Serious Incidents Response Scheme 
• reducing the use of restrictive practices. 

What we offer 

• Cultural leave plus 4 weeks annual leave 
• Salary ranging from $89,394 to $100,849plus 15.4% superannuation 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Mentoring and support from our Indigenous Staff Network colleagues and experienced staff 
• Candidate support throughout the recruitment and onboarding process 

Position Duties 

• Work with Commission staff to develop and maintain the internal processes, systems and documentation required for the successful running of the IAP. 
• Liaise with Services Australia through the recruitment, selection and onboarding of IAP participants and throughout the life of the program. 
• Mentor IAP participants for their success within the program and at the Commission. 
• Develop and implement individualised plans with the IAP participants to support their development, retention, performance and well-being at the Commission. 
• Develop and conduct cross-cultural awareness and learning opportunities for managers of IAP participants and other relevant Commission staff. 
• Develop and provide oversight to a mentoring program for IAP participants with the Indigenous Staff Network. 
• Ensure consistency across the program, including processes, probationary periods and expectations of participants and their managers. 
• Provide reporting as agreed on the progress of IAP participants and the success of the program at the Commission, including opportunities for program enhancements. 
• Complete reporting to meet any requirements of the program. 
• Represent the Commission as required at IAP meetings and events. 
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with Indigenous employees. 
• Communicate effectively across a broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders and deal with sensitive, confidential, and complex matters in a culturally safe manner. 
• A demonstrated understanding of Australian Indigenous cultures and Australian Indigenous community groups. 
• Assist with implementation of Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) deliverables 

Position Eligibility Requirements 

• Demonstrated strong connections with Aboriginal people and community

An applicant’s suitability for employment will also be assessed through a variety of pre-employment check processes, such as:  

• Satisfactory completion of an Australian Federal Police criminal history check 
• Completion of a medical declaration and pre-employment medical (where required). 
• Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. 

A confirmation must stipulate that a person: 

• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and 
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and 
• is accepted as such by the community in which they live, or formerly lived.

Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage can be provided by a wide range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and bodies, and commonly include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Councils; 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations can be incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006, the Corporations Act 2001, or other states and territory legislation); 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services. 

Position Notes  

Salary offered will be between $89,394 and $100,849 per annum depending on skills and experience. In addition, 15.4% superannuation will be paid. 

How to Apply? 

1. Go to ‘Current Vacancies’ section of the careers page- https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/about-us/careers/current-vacancies. All documentation relating to the role and application process will be located here. 
2. Click on the job title and at the bottom of the Advertisement you will be asked to create an account If you are a first-time user or to sign in to complete your application. 
3. As part of your application, you will be requested to attach your Resume or CV demonstrating your experience, knowledge and skills relevant to the role. A cover letter is optional. 
4. Click ‘Apply Now’ when you are ready to submit your application. 

In your application, please provide a statement of claims against the Eligibility Requirements in no more than 600 words. 

Please complete your application by 11:59pm (local time) by Wednesday 28 February 2024 

Only completed applications will be accepted. 

Contact Officer: 

Please contact our recruitment team on (02) 9633 3*** or ***********@agedcarequality.gov.au for assistance with accessing our website or with lodging your application. Specific questions about the role can be directed to Iana Jerdetski by emailing **************@agedcarequality.gov.au with Position title in the subject line. 

Reconciliation journey and inclusion 

The Commission continues to embark on its reconciliation journey with the recent launch of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in August 2023   

Our goal is for an inclusive aged care sector in which the human rights of all aged care consumers are recognised. As part of this, the Commission acknowledges the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the lands and waters and the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and histories to learning, success and celebration.  

Further information: 

For further information about the Commission, office locations and other related resources, please visit https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au 

 For more information on the Australian Public Service, please visit http://www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/current-publications/cracking-the-code/factsheet-4 and http://www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/current-publications/cracking-the-code.