Coordinator – Indigenous Healing Service

MacKillop Family Services is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As a measure to achieve equality and support, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply and are preferred for this position.

In additional a $5000 remote allowance for all Pilbara employees.

$119,089 - $124,065 + Super + $5K Allowance + Salary Packaging Benefits

About the role:

This position has subsidies housing included

This position is located in the Pilbara town of Newman on Nyiyaparli land where Martu are also recognised custodians. This is a new program, and it is being created and delivered in partnership with Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS). Aligned to the WA Government's ACCO Strategy, this position and service will fully transition to PAMS into the future. A transition plan will be developed as the program rolls out over the next 5 years. Aligned to this plan will be the transition of this Coordinator position from MacKillop to PAMS. 

The Indigenous Healing Service (IHS) provides healing, support, counselling and a therapeutic response to children, young people and their families who are affected by child sexual abuse, family and domestic violence and/or grief and loss. IHS assists children and young people to recover from the harmful impacts of trauma and assists families and communities to support children and young people in the healing process.

The IHS Coordinator provides therapeutic leadership and trauma informed interventions based on sound practice experience to deliver positive outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

The Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring the provision of professional counselling services in consultation with the Principal Practitioner and Pilbara Services Manager.

The Coordinator position reports to the Principal Practitioner WA/NT with input, cultural guidance and governance from PAMS. 

This is a Full-Time Fixed Term 38 hours per week until opportunity based in Newman, WA within our WA/NT Services Program. The position reports to the Principal Practitioner - Western Australia & Northern Territory.

Key Selection Criteria:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people and their families.
• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline. A combination of a relevant degree/certificate with Cultural knowledge and experience with Aboriginal healing practices will also be considered.  
• Well-developed understanding of attachment and trauma theories and knowledge in areas relevant to working with vulnerable children, young people and families which may include child development and the impact of trauma, mental health, drug and alcohol, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, grief/loss and the ability to use this to complete assessments, develop therapeutic interventions, and provide advice to other professionals, staff and carers.
• Demonstrated written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the effective use of computer programs.
• Willingness and ability to travel to support the provision of services to more remote areas of the region.
• Evidence of personal values consistent with the values of MacKillop Family Services including a willingness to embrace the Sanctuary Model and Principles.

For a full position listing, please click APPLY. The Position Description is available for review at the bottom of the page.

For more information, please contact:

Liz Plackett at or on

Our offer:

• Hourly Rate of $60.27 to $62.79 as outlined in the SCHADS Award Level 7, dependent on qualification and experience. 
• Salary packaging – we can help you to maximize your salary packaging up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
• Paid Training that is industry specific including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Sanctuary and Cultural Awareness training.
• Fitness Passport - which is a discounted workplace health and fitness program available to you and your family. For a fraction of the price of a regular gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Program- Free access to a wide range of options with all aspects of life such as social, financial, physical, mental health by providing counselling and coaching supporting relating both to your circumstance, even including health advice from qualified nutritionists.
• Supportive Environment - Monthly supportive meetings with your direct manager.
• Sanctuary Organisation - MacKillop's work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, an evidence-supported, whole of organisation framework that brings our values to life. The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.

You must have a:

• Valid and current Driver's Licence;
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
• Valid Employee Working with Children Check;
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application.

Our Commitment:

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person's ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.

It is our goal that MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible.