Aboriginal Representative Organisation (ARO) Program
Australian Aboriginality is a genuine occupational requirement of this position in accordance with Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
Aarnja Limited currently has a Program Manager position vacant in our Kimberley ARO program based in Broome, WA.
About the Role
The Program Manager will manage and coordinate Aarnja’s special projects, specifically the Aboriginal Representative Organisation Program (the ARO). The Program Manager will ensure that project outcomes, milestones, and activities are actioned and met within budget, as well as ensuring outcomes of the grant agreement. The position will supervise and manage all Cultural Placement Advisor positions of the ARO program across the Kimberley region. To enable a broader and more comprehensive scoping of family to identify culturally connected placements and enhance cultural support planning, this position must also support the ARO team to successfully meet all the deliverables required to provide specialist advice and cultural knowledge to the Department (the Department). This position must possess a strong understanding of child protection processes and demonstrate the ability to maintain a collaborative working relationship with the Department.
The position will also be responsible for managing intake of consultation requests from the Department; and, supporting the Department to work with Kimberley Aboriginal families in a culturally safe and responsive way.
Overview of the Role
Effectively lead, manage, support and supervise the ARO Cultural Placement Advisors, including allocating and monitoring Cultural Placement Advisor's client caseloads and referrals from the Department.
Develop, manage and monitor the ARO teams workplans aligned to the service delivery of the ARO program.
Ensure all record management, client database, case notes and files are accurate and securely maintained, including ARO East and West Kimberley mailboxes.
Develop, maintain and implement company policies as per legislation, programs and practices in relation to child welfare and program specific, including WHS.
Ensure all required program reports are submitted on time or as requested.
Develop and maintain a positive and cooperative relationship with Kimberley Aboriginal families and communities, the Department and other stakeholders to ensure placement decisions and cultural support planning for Kimberley Aboriginal children is informed by robust cultural consultation.
Ensure compliance with the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle as well as having an awareness of current policies, legislation, programs and practices in relation to child welfare.
Participate in all ARO related meetings to address issues, review processes or discuss improvements for program and practice design.
Ensure compliance with legislation, contract, and policy requirements in day-to-day work to meet the organisation’s audit, contract, and registration obligations.
Develop and maintain all program resources and materials, including promotional materials.
Work directly with the CEO to ensure the successful delivery of the ARO program across the Kimberley, including undertaking travel when required.
Represent and participate in community events, activities and meetings to promote the ARO program and build community networks and awareness across the Kimberley region.
The above list is not exhaustive, and the role may change to meet the overall objectives of the company.
Selection Criteria
To Apply
Please address the following Selection Criteria:
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience relating to Aboriginal children, families and culture, with a commitment to culturally safe practice and a high level of awareness of the key issues impacting Kimberley Aboriginal communities across the region.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the challenges Kimberley Aboriginal families experience when they come into adverse contact with child protection.
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in directly leading and managing a team and program delivery, including meeting deadlines, managing budgets, reporting and compliance; and, managing workloads, timeframes and conflicting priorities for yourself and your team.
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and proven ability to apply culturally protected practices and service delivery to Aboriginal family, children and communities.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding in applying the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle as well as current policies, legislation, programs and practices relating to child protection and welfare.
- Ability to strategically work in an integrated and collaborative way with Government agencies, service providers and other community stakeholders within the family and child protection sector.
- Possession of a Western Australian ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licence or equivalent and the ability to travel as required.
- Meet a satisfactory Western Australian Working with Children Check (WWCC) and a National Police Clearance upon appointment.
- A relevant qualification in child protection, youth services, management and/or minimum 3 years experience working in child protection or the community services sector.
- Experience working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation within the Kimberley region is highly favoured.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria as outlined above and a copy of your current Resume via Seek website or Email: [emailprotected] by 4.00pm (AWST), Friday 26th September 2025.
Applications Close: 4.00pm (AWST), Friday, 26th September 2025.
All interested Kimberley Aboriginal person/s are encouraged to apply.
For additional information or to obtain a position description, please contact the Aarnja Limited office.
Additional Information
To apply questions are listed below the application details:
- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
- How many years' experience do you have as a programme manager?
- Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
- Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for budget management & forecasting?
- Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check?
- Are you available to travel for this role when required?
- Do you have a current Police Check (National Police Certificate) for employment?
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📌 Program Manager - 50D EOA 1984
🏢 Aarnja
📍 Broome