Job description
Agency Department of Health Work unit Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch
Job title Director - Service Design and Improvement Designation Senior Administrative Officer 1
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing commencing 01/07/2026
Salary $128,551 - $143,611 Location Darwin
Position number 34536 RTF Closing 19/02/2026
Contact officer Ameina Brunker, A/Executive Director on or
About the agency Apply online APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the
OCPE website.
Primary objective
Provide strategic leadership for the design, reform and continuous improvement of mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) service
systems across the Northern Territory (NT).
Context statement
The Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs (MHAOD) Branch leads territory-wide service system planning, commissioning and reform.
The Director, Service Design and Improvement lead integrated, culturally responsive and evidence-informed mental health and AOD
services across the NT service system.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of mental health and alcohol and other drug
(AOD) service systems, ensuring alignment with national frameworks, legislation, and Northern Territory priorities.
2. Lead system reform and service redesign initiatives, embedding evidence‑informed, culturally responsive, and trauma‑informed
approaches across the service continuum.
3. Drive quality improvement through performance monitoring, evaluation, risk management, and the use of data to inform planning,
decision‑making, and reform priorities.
4. Lead high‑level stakeholder engagement and partnership development across government, non‑government, and Aboriginal
community‑controlled organisations to support integrated service delivery.
5. Provide strategic oversight and expert advice on commissioning, funding, and contract management processes to ensure
accountability, value for money, and outcomes‑focused services.
6. Lead the development of high‑level policy and legislative reform advice, including Ministerial briefs, Cabinet submissions, and executive
reports.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Demonstrated extensive experience providing strategic leadership in complex health and/or human service systems, including
delivering service reform and continuous improvement initiatives.
2. Demonstrated high‑level conceptual, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, authoritative advice and
produce high‑quality written briefings for senior executives and Ministers.
3. Demonstrated experience in service commissioning, funding or contract management, including performance monitoring and
delivering outcomes within accountability frameworks.
4. Proven ability to plan, prioritise and coordinate complex work to ensure high‑quality deliverables are completed within agreed
timeframes.
5. Demonstrated program or project management experience, with strong understanding of organisational operations, strategic planning,
and policy development.
6. Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal communities and/or culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and a strong
commitment to culturally safe, equity‑focused service design informed by the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) framework.
7. A relevant tertiary qualification in health, social sciences or a related field, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and substantial
relevant experience.
Desirable
1. Experience across mental health, alcohol and other drug, and/or justice-related service systems.
2. Formal training or demonstrated experience in change management, project management or systems improvement methodologies.
Further information
Positions may be subject to pre-employment checks such as immunisation requirements, working with children clearance notice and
criminal history checks. A criminal history will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is a relevant criminal history. For
immunisation requirements - Category A (direct contact with blood or body substances) or Category B (indirect contact with blood or
body substances), check with contact person for requirements.