Substance Use and Social and Emotional Wellbeing Manager

Who are we?

The Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Limited (AHCSA) is the peak body representing Aboriginal community-controlled health in South Australia at state and national levels.

Our primary role is to be the ‘health voice’ for all Aboriginal people in South Australia. We achieve this by advocating for the community and supporting workers through our Member Services with appropriate Aboriginal health programs based on a holistic perspective of health.

AHCSA strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace that values lived experience, community connection, and diverse perspectives.

About the role

2 year fixed term contract | 1.0 FTE

The Manager, Substance Misuse and Social and Emotional Wellbeing leads the Substance Misuse and Social and Emotional Wellbeing team in designing and delivering impactful programs, projects and strategies that enhance the wellbeing of Aboriginal people by preventing substance misuse and supporting mental health. 

The position provides oversight and leadership across the key areas of smoking and vaping; alcohol and other drugs; mental health support; and suicide prevention, crisis management and aftercare. The Manager ensures these programs align with funding requirements, and other standards, while building the capacity of ACCHSs to deliver high-quality support to their communities. 

The Manager works closely with key stakeholders to develop best practice approaches, advocating for the critical role of the ACCH sector in addressing substance misuse and social and emotional wellbeing issues, and ensuring the sector receives the necessary support to effectively tackle these challenges.  

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing the co-design, coordination, transition and evaluation of evidence-based programs and projects that prevent and address substance misuse and promote social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal people and communities.

• Developing and managing budgets for programs and projects, ensuring efficient resource allocation and usage to optimise impact. 

• Leading efforts to source new funding and pursue growth opportunities through grants, donations, or strategic partnerships that enhance program sustainability and reach. 

• Monitoring the delivery of social and emotional wellbeing programs to uphold high standards of quality and effectiveness in program management, delivery, and outcomes. 

• Overseeing collaboration with ACCHSs to identify the issues they are facing and supports required to assist them to address substance misuse and promote social and emotional wellbeing in their communities.  

• Overseeing collaboration with ACCHSs, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to foster partnerships that support and enhance the programs delivered by the Substance Misuse and Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team. 

• Advocating for support for substance misuse prevention and treatment, and mental health services and supports for Aboriginal people and communities at local, state, and national levels. 

• Staying informed about emerging trends, best practices, and research in issues related to substance misuse and emotional wellbeing and facilitating knowledge sharing opportunities. 

Essential Experience

• Experience in a senior management role within the health sector, with a proven track record in leading sector development initiatives, workforce capacity building, strategic planning, and building effective partnerships. 

• Experience working in a senior role in public health, drawing upon a solid understanding of public health needs, priorities, epidemiology, specific trends for Aboriginal communities, and specialised knowledge in social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD). 

• Experience engaging with Aboriginal community members and key stakeholders in the field of Aboriginal health, including government and non-government stakeholders, to drive positive health outcomes. 

• Experience in developing, managing and leading projects, programs and teams within mainstream health services or Aboriginal community-controlled services, with a proven track record of driving successful initiatives. 

Desirable Experience

• Experience in Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations, demonstrating a solid understanding of their operational and governance structures, cultural context, and the specific health needs of Aboriginal communities. 

• Extensive experience in critically reviewing relevant research and evaluation studies, leading efforts to implement findings for practical application in organisational strategies and programs to ensure evidence based best practice and innovation.  

• Degree or Diploma in Public Health, Health Sciences, Primary Health Care or related field. 

• Master of Public Health or other tertiary qualification in a relevant field. 

Special Conditions

• Out of normal hours work may be required.

• Requires the ability to travel intra-state and interstate, including overnight absences.

• National Police Certificate is required.

Benefits of working at AHCSA

AHCSA provides a number of benefits to support its staff such as:

• The opportunity to contribute to Aboriginal health services across South Australia.

• Access to generous not-for-profit salary packaging benefits through Maxxia.

• Generous leave provisions with extra paid leave over the Christmas break.

• Employee Assistance Program through ACCESS.

• Work-life balance and professional development support.

• 17.5% Leave Loading.

How to apply

Apply via SEEK with:

• A current resume

• A cover letter addressing the Statement of Key Responsibilities and Person Specification

The Job and Person Specification is available under Work with us:
https://ahcsa.org.au/careers/

Closing date: 5 PM, Monday 19th October 2026.

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. The position may be filled prior to the closing date, so we encourage early applications.