Senior Aboriginal Engagement Officer

This role operates under a hybrid work model, with a combination of remote and office-based work. The primary office location is Carlton. Office attendance will be agreed with the manager and may vary based on operational needs.

• 2-year Fixed term opportunity  
• HS5 Salary + 12% Super 
• Your work will support vulnerable Victorians better their oral health. 
• You will have access to generous 5 weeks annual leave and Salary Packaging benefit 

This is an Identified Position and is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only. 

This role plays a key part in advancing Oral Health Victoria's commitment to reconciliation, cultural safety, and meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Victoria. 

About the role: 

Role Specific  

• Delivery of Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives and actions 
• Coordinate the implementation of OHV’s RAP deliverables, together with key internal and external partners, and ensure alignment with Reconciliation Australia’s requirements. 
• Coordinate the procurement process for the development of OHV’s next RAP. 
• Prepare annual RAP reporting, including public reporting on achievements, challenges and learnings. 
• Aboriginal engagement and partnerships 
• Foster strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal communities, ACCOs and organisations, Elders and leaders locally and across Victoria. 
• Represent the organisation at Aboriginal community events, forums, and gatherings. 
• Build strong internal relationships across clinical, operational and leadership teams to ensure collaboration on cultural safety and inclusion. 
• Maintain a strong relationship with VACCHO, ensuring the delivery of shared goals outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. 
• Workforce and capability development 
• Coordinate the delivery of cultural awareness and capability-building programs in collaboration with the Learning & Development team. 
• Support the inclusion and capability development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and employment program participants through coaching, mentoring and contributing to employment and career development programs. 
• Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne (RDHM) support and cultural safety 
• Provide strategic advice and practical support to RDHM to enhance access, experience and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, carers and visitors. 
• Support the implementation of improvements to the Aboriginal Liaison Service to enhance cultural safety and accessibility. 
• Contribute to strategic and policy development 
• Provide strategic advice on RAP priorities, Aboriginal engagement and cultural safety. 
• Champion reconciliation across OHV, embedding culturally respectful practices, policies and behaviours. 
• Undertake other reasonable duties as requested, ensuring effective and timely completion 

Generic 

• Model behaviours that demonstrate the Victorian Public Sector and OHV values in all aspects of work. 
• Undertake continuous professional learning and development to ensure current competence including any prescribed training in safety and quality. 
• Participate in myPathway ensuring goals are signed off and reviewed. 
• Demonstrate and promote a proactive commitment to health & safety, well-being and the work environment by actively participating in the ongoing identification and prevention of risks. 
• Maintain client privacy and confidentiality in accordance with organisational procedures and policies. 
• Maintain a commitment to child safety, equity and inclusion, and cultural safety. 
• Adhere to the OHV Child Safety Framework and Code of Conduct and all other child safe policies and procedures. 

Role requirements 

Knowledge 

Mandatory 

• Tertiary Qualification in public health, health promotion, community development or a related field, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience 
• Understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, cultural protocols and engagement practices 
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership development skills 
• Ability to coordinate program delivery, track outcomes and report on performance 
• Understanding of social procurement principles and/or government procurement frameworks 
• Communicate confidently (written and verbal) with diverse audiences and foster two-way dialogue 
• Proficient in MS Office suite of tools 
• Satisfactory working with children’s check (Vic)*if applicable 
• Valid Police Check 
• Vaccination requirements as required by the Department of Health guidelines including COVID19 

Desirable 

• Familiarity with Reconciliation Australia RAP frameworks and reporting 
• Knowledge of Aboriginal health policy and Closing the Gap priorities 
• Understanding of the public health and public oral health sectors 

Experience 

Mandatory 

• Demonstrated experience coordinating RAP implementation and/or Aboriginal strategy initiatives 
• Experience working in partnership with Aboriginal communities, ACCOs and peak bodies 
• Experience coordinating complex programs or projects involving multiple stakeholders 
• Experience coordinating procurement processes (e.g., RFQ, commissioning, or partnerships) 
• Experience contributing to workforce development and organisational change initiatives 
• Experience preparing high-level reports, briefings and strategic advice 
• Experience in managing multiple priorities/projects and achieving results with minimal supervision 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the Victorian public health or oral health sector 
• Passion for Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing 

We are committed to creating a culturally safe and welcoming environment and would love to hear from you if you would like to support the community in accessing public dental care. 

Please note that this position is identified and open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants, as per the Equal Opportunity Act (2010).

We warmly invite you to apply today and take advantage of this unique and exciting opportunity to join our team! To submit your application, please click ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts.

We will be actively shortlisting during the advertising period, so please send through your application ASAP. Please note: We reserve the right to withdraw this job advertisement prior to the closing date once suitable candidates have been identified. 

Applications close on 2nd September 2026.

We acknowledge that diversity increases our ability to transform and achieve better health outcomes therefore we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse background, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with disability.

DHSV is committed to child safety and wellbeing and has zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. We provide an inclusive and welcoming environment where cultural safety for children is promoted and practiced.