Program Improvement Officer

Program Improvement Officer 

• Location – Parramatta negotiable location


• Employment type – Temporary till June 2027


• Salary – GR 9/10 $129,464 - $142,665 plus superannuation

This position is open to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only. The Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work with this community.

Your role

In this role you will drive continuous improvement of the Services Our Way (SOW Program) within a context of culturally appropriate, trauma informed, client centred program delivery.

What you’ll do

The role reviews and provides advice in relation to client support plans, taking into consideration program guidelines, client needs and regional/local service availability. You will develop tools and resources in response to identified trends and/or program improvement opportunities including:

• Provide high-level strategic advice to the SOW Leadership Team on client support plans, ensuring alignment with program objectives, policy intent, and the broader AHO strategic priorities


• Lead the analysis and interpretation of program performance data (including Exit Surveys, client support plans, Risk and Issues Registers


• Drive continuous program improvement initiatives through the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative insights, ensuring evidence-based recommendations inform program design, delivery, and evaluation


• Collaborate across AHO divisions and with external stakeholders to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and improvement frameworks Oversee the development, governance, and continual refinement of key program management tools and frameworks

What we’re looking for

• Tertiary qualification in relevant discipline, and/or demonstrated equivalent and relevant experience


• Current NSW driver's licence and a willingness to travel


• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures, communities, and issues impacting Aboriginal peoples, particularly in housing, wellbeing, and community outcomes


• Experience in program improvement, evaluation, or service delivery within a culturally safe, client-centred, and trauma-informed framework


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in reviewing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making


• High-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills


• Excel skills and records management experience are both highly desirable

As an Identified role, this position is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons, Australia’s First Nations people. Where a position is identified, an applicant’s race is a genuine occupational qualification under the exception in Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

There are two alternatives to confirming your Aboriginality, one of which must be uploaded to be considered for the role as follows. Either will be accepted:

Confirmation of Aboriginality form

or

Written confirmation from 2-3 Aboriginal organisations within the community in which you live/work, which addresses the three criteria listed below:

• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and


• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and


• is accepted as a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

Download the role description.

For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career

• Flexible, autonomous work environment

• Competitive pay and conditions

• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities

• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information?  Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply. You will need to attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum five pages) and a cover letter (maximum three pages) with a brief outline on how you meet the requirements of the role and answer the two targeted questions below:

• In 500 words or less, describe how you supported colleagues and stakeholders in contributing to a major project. Highlight the skills and experience you brought that were most critical to achieving the project’s key outcomes.

• In 500 words or less, describe the approach you would take to reviewing and continuously improving our programs. What key considerations and frameworks would guide your approach?

Applications close Monday 16 February at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Shaz McCullough on [email protected] or 0437 969 371

If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please contact Stephanie Hughes at [email protected] or 02 8688 0027

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience, and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers, and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website (for all roles except Aboriginal Identified).

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/

The Welcome Experience

 Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.