Senior Advisor - First Nations Health

About Us

WA Primary Health Alliance is part of the Australian Government’s national Primary Health Network (PHN) program which aims to strengthen, improve, and connect the primary care system. As the operator of Western Australia’s three PHNs, our state-wide structure and strong partnerships allow us to deliver better health, together.

At the heart of our Vision and Mission is an ongoing commitment to working closely with GPs, health professionals, service providers, hospitals, government and the community to strengthen primary care state-wide. 

We are united in working towards a more connected and collaborative primary health care system to improve health equity and health outcomes for all Western Australians, particularly those at risk of poor health.

We are guided by our Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026. To find out more about us and what we do, please go to our website: https://www.wapha.org.au/about-us/

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive culture for all our staff, health providers, partners, and community members. The contribution and participation of people with diverse bodies, identities and experiences is crucial to the work we do and allows us to shape a health system that is fit for the future.

WA Primary Health Alliance acknowledges, and pays respect to, the Traditional Owners and Elders of this country. We recognise their diversity and the significant importance of their cultural heritage, values, beliefs, and self-determination in contributing to the positive health and wellbeing of the whole community. We also acknowledge and welcome all members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender, intersex, queer, asexual, aromantic and other rainbow (LGBTIQA+) communities and celebrate the extraordinary diversity of people’s bodies, identities, relationships, and experiences. 

We encourage applications from every background and ability, including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ people, people from multicultural backgrounds and people with disability. 

The role

Are you passionate about driving positive change within Aboriginal health care? Join WAPHA as Senior Advisor – First Nations Health within our Strategy & Engagement portfolio. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to lead the development and implementation of strategies that directly impact the health outcomes of Aboriginal communities across Western Australia. As an Aboriginal candidate, your insights and experiences are invaluable in shaping policies, programs, and services that are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and inclusive. Be part of a supportive and inclusive team dedicated to fostering reconciliation and cultural competency while making a tangible difference in the lives of Aboriginal people. Your voice matters here at WAPHA, where diversity is celebrated and respected. Apply now and be a driving force for positive change in Aboriginal health care.

This role will be offered as an Ongoing position on a full-time basis and offers the flexibility to work from home and office.

Key tasks and responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Lead the development and implementation of WAPHA’s Aboriginal Health Strategy, aligning with Australian Government priorities.
• Stay informed about emerging primary care and Aboriginal health policy reforms, providing strategic advice to stakeholders.
• Formulate programmatic strategies translating objectives into actionable priorities, including implementation plans and evaluation frameworks.
• Advocate for culturally safe primary health care services for Aboriginal people, enhancing staff cultural competency and promoting innovative service delivery models.
• Develop strong relationships with key Aboriginal health stakeholders in Western Australia to improve health outcomes and advocate for community needs.
• Coordinate WAPHA’s Aboriginal Health Strategic Advisory Group and lead the Aboriginal Health Strategic Alignment Group.
• Represent WAPHA at external meetings, committees, and reference groups to advocate for improved primary health care and raise awareness of Aboriginal health issues.
• Prepare and deliver communication materials such as strategies, reports, briefings, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

About you

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following selection criteria:

Essential experience and education 

• As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are seeking candidates who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander for this position.
• Hold tertiary qualifications in a health-related field.
• Show understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture and health care needs.
• Possess knowledge of the Aboriginal primary health care service system in Australia.
• Cultivate established relationships with key Aboriginal health stakeholders in Western Australia, facilitating effective collaboration and advocacy.
• Analyze research, literature, and policy frameworks effectively.
• Demonstrate a track record of critically analysing research, academic literature, and policy frameworks, translating findings into actionable strategies.
• Showcase exceptional written communication skills, evidenced by the ability to craft high-quality submissions, reports, briefings, and correspondence.
• Illustrate a collaborative mindset, thriving in team environments and contributing positively to collective goals and initiatives.
• Experience of working with culturally diverse groups, particularly Aboriginal people.
• Understanding of approaches to commissioning effective health services.

Our Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangement that combines remote work (3-4 days per week) with office presence in our modern Subiaco office (1-2 days per week)
• Commitment to employee development.
• Salary packaging - WAPHA's arrangement allows for a maximum of $15,900 for general living expenses and $2,650 for entertainment benefits per fringe benefit tax year.
• Competitive salary.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Additional paid parental leave.
• Gifted paid day off during Christmas shut down period.
• Annual $200 health and wellbeing reimbursement scheme.
• All employees have access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Study leave options available.
• Option to purchase additional leave.
• 13 weeks long service leave after 10 years of continuous services (accessible on a pro-rata basis after 7 years).

To Apply

Please submit your application by clicking the ‘Apply’ button.

Your application should include your CV along with a cover letter. The cover letter should outline your interest in working for WAPHA and address the selection criteria as outlined in the job advertisement demonstrating your skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. 

Applications close Monday 3rd June 2024.

WAPHA reserves the right to commence shortlisting prior to the advertised close date.

For further information please email ****@wapha.org.au. Please note that applications must be submitted via the link provided – applications received by email will not be accepted.

Applicants must hold current, unrestricted working rights in Australia to be eligible for this role. Candidates without valid authorisation to work in Australia will not be considered. Compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations is mandatory.

WA Primary Health Alliance builds and strengthens primary health care in Western Australia, so people can access the services they need closer to home. As the operator of all three Primary Health Networks in Western Australia, we aim to ensure that the people most at risk of poor health have access to quality care. By working closely with GPs, health professionals, service providers, hospitals, government, and the community to strengthen primary care state-wide, we are delivering better health, together.