Please note: Due to the nature of this role, applicants are required to be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. 

About the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network

In 2019, Rembarrnga, Dalabon, and Mayili Elders invited women caring for Country from across the NT to meet at Bawurrbarnda in Central Arnhem Land. Here, women from 32 ranger groups articulated a shared vision:

We are strong Indigenous women of the Northern Territory. We stand united as one strong voice. We commit to a network that gives equal power to the rights of all our women. Strong Women means Healthy Country.

Today, our network is known as the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network, reaching hundreds of women throughout the Territory. We are currently auspiced by Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation while we design our own independent organization, with women from across 20 remote communities providing direction at ‘Message Stick Meetings.’

Women continue to gather at our forums, collaborating, communicating, and advocating together as a network, putting our priorities into action. These priorities include attracting more support for Indigenous women working as mentors in their communities and organizations, connecting them with critical services and each other, and delivering regional women’s healing camps.

About the Social Worker Role

The Social Worker is a critical role supporting Strong Women for Healthy Country with expertise and experience navigating social services and systems in a remote context. This role would be based out of our Darwin office, working closely with a small and supportive intercultural team of women. It includes remote travel to support key events, meetings, camps, and workshops. The role offers the right candidate the opportunity to connect with Indigenous women across the NT and assist them in creating meaningful change in their communities and organisations. This opportunity is open to Indigenous women and non-binary people based in the Northern Territory.

Key Responsibilities

1. Draw recognition and support to the mentorship work many women are already undertaking in their communities and organisations.

2. Identify pathways and create tools and resources for support staff and mentors living in remote areas to connect with a range of social services.

3. Create safe spaces for support staff and mentors to connect and share their experiences with each other, such as online support groups and dedicated workshops.

4. Support the delivery of regional healing camps and workshops together with mentors, support staff, and traditional healers.

5. Create opportunities for women impacted by domestic violence, alcohol and other drugs, and incarceration to (re)connect with the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network.

6. Support the development of the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network’s best practice policies and procedures.

Essential Selection Criteria

To be considered for the Social Worker Role, a candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• A relevant qualification
• Possession of or the ability to obtain a Northern Territory working with children (Ochre) check
• Experience living and working in a remote community
• Demonstrated experience supporting people impacted by domestic violence, poverty, alcohol and other drugs
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Northern Territory’s education, health, aged care, and prison systems
• Experience facilitating workshops, yarning circles, or support groups
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to work effectively in a team

Desirable Selection Criteria

While the following selection criteria are not essential to the role, they would be highly regarded by the selection panel:

• Experience delivering mental health first aid training
• Experience working for an Aboriginal-controlled organization
• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector
• Experience operating a 4WD

How to Apply

Using the “Apply” button please submit your Resume and Cover Letter (optional). 

Join us in making a positive impact on Indigenous women and healthy country initiatives in the Northern Territory. Your expertise and dedication can help us achieve our shared vision.