Children’s Ground is a First Nations organisation committed to systems change that ensures dignity, justice, and equity for all children and families. Our approach is designed and delivered through First Nations leadership, focusing on national reform and demonstrating a new way of working.
The Children’s Ground Approach adopts a whole of community, whole of life perspective, privileging First Nations knowledge systems and practices. Over a generation, led by local expertise, we create an integrated system centered on learning, development, and wellbeing, responding to children and families during key transition points from pre-birth to young adulthood.
Our approach recognizes the cultural, social, and economic strengths of our communities. We aim to build on these strengths over a generation to secure a future where our children and grandchildren enjoy freedom, opportunities, and rights to their culture and identity.
Children’s Ground operates in Central Australia and across the Top End, supported by a Melbourne-based Shared Services team.
About you
We seek an experienced Health Professional with program management or senior organizational experience. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in health promotion and a strong understanding and/or experience working with First Nations communities. They should be comfortable managing people and collaborating with our Learning & Wellbeing team to address the health needs of local communities.
About the role
The Head of Health and Wellbeing – Central Australia will lead the Family Health and Wellbeing Team, a multidisciplinary group delivering the Children’s Ground Family Health and Wellbeing Framework, Utnenge, Tyerrtye, Mwerre Atnyenetyeke Iltye Tyerrtye Urrperle–kenhenge (Health in the Hands of the People), to improve health outcomes for individuals and families.
This approach includes supporting local traditional cultural knowledge and practices and empowering consumers. It combines Western health approaches—such as health promotion, social and emotional wellbeing, maternal and child health, and environmental health—with local practices. The team will develop and implement family health plans and respond to population health needs collaboratively with communities.
The role involves proactive work, including participating in health promotion activities on country and in community as part of our early years learning program.
Key Responsibilities
1. Deliver the Family Health & Wellbeing Framework to improve outcomes for individuals and families.
2. Develop, assess, and monitor community health priorities, managing responses to enhance health and wellbeing.
3. Manage the health team in a culturally appropriate manner.
4. Integrate health and wellbeing into early childhood curriculum and development initiatives for children aged 0-12 years.
5. Create and support family health and wellbeing plans.
6. Assist First Nations people in navigating health systems.
7. Oversee infectious disease prevention and response efforts.
8. Design and support outreach programs for regional service delivery.
9. Establish relationships with government and interstate health providers and educators.
10. Lead health promotion activities in community and on country.
11. Ensure documentation, policies, and systems are compliant and effective.
12. Manage data systems for monitoring and reporting.
13. Recruit, induct, and evaluate staff, providing mentorship and guidance.
14. Ensure quality and risk management in all activities.
15. Build and maintain relationships with key partners and organizations.
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