Social and Emotional Wellbeing Officer

Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) are a leading Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that exists to support the unique and evolving needs of Aboriginal people.

• Step Up… Empower self-determination and Aboriginal led solutions
• Stand Tall… Lead the way with cultural and business integrity
• Walk Together...  Build inclusive relationships, partnerships and community through mutual respect and empathy

This is achieved through:

• Implementing a Culturally Informed Trauma Integrated Healing Approach;
• Promoting Noongar social and cultural values;
• Providing a united voice for our community;
• Improving justice outcomes for survivors of family violence and sexual assault;
• Coordinating access to quality and affordable housing;
• Supporting better health outcomes; and
• Coordinating accessible programs and initiatives that build a solid foundation for future prosperity.

Our team operates across several regions throughout the Southern areas of Western Australia. We are committed to delivering a holistic wrap-around service model for our community and working collaboratively with other service organisations to provide the best care and outcomes for our people.

Our pathway to achieving our vision is strengthened by our values and our cultural ways of working.

We step up...

• We empower our people through supporting self-determined and Aboriginal-led solutions which leads to building our people and our community.
• We promote equity and seeking justice for all by implementing a culturally informed trauma integrated healing approach which allows us to provide a culturally safe place and dignified service provision.
• We embrace change and new perspectives which helps us grow and make informed decisions.

We stand tall...

• We acknowledge and take pride in sharing where our journey started and how this influences our journey ahead.
• We embrace cultural integrity as a norm and inspire others to do the same.
• Our commitment to practicing good governance builds trust and faith in all that we do through operating with integrity, accountability and ethical business practices.

We walk together...

• We value relationships based on mutual respect and treat people with empathy and compassion.
• Through a community led approach we build partnerships by embracing collaboration and co-design principles.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity (under section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984)

Based in Albany WA, reporting to the Projects & Services Manager, the primary function of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Officer (SEWB Officer) is to coordinate and deliver our suicide prevention and early intervention activities based on grassroots, community-wide initiatives across the region, as guided by the Regional Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Plan and emerging community needs.

Your focus will be promotion of the SEWB project by outreach and conducting community activities.

• You will be out on the road 3+ days per week, promoting the suicide prevention plan.
• The role is for a Fixed Term ending 30 June 2026.

You are a motivated and committed person that ideally has:

• A strong background in mental health and working with community.
• A relevant qualification in community development or equivalent and a minimum of one year experience in delivering community-based service provision or,
• A minimum of three years experience delivering community-based service provision.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, respectfully and sensitively with Aboriginal people.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate community-driven activities / initiatives / events / consultation that initiates Aboriginal-led solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of prevention and early intervention on the issue of suicide.
• Demonstrated capacity to provide crisis support.
• Good computer systems knowledge and experience.
• Well developed written and verbal communication skills including a good understanding of negotiation and conflict resolution skills and report writing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community organisations and the skills and experience to build and maintain relationships with them.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to Southern Aboriginal Corporation's values.
• Computer literacy.
• Current WA ''C' driver's licence.

Whilst it is desirable for you to hold a tertiary qualification in social work, population health or a relevant human service / mental health area, it is not essential for this role.

Mandatory

You must have a Current WA ''C' driver's license; and be prepared to undergo:

• A Prior Offender History Check.
• A Working with Children Check.

• Engage, build and maintain relationships with communities and stakeholders throughout the region, whilst acknowledging the existing and natural strengths that already exist.
• Lead, coordinate, facilitate and deliver grassroots, community-wide initiatives across the region, as guided by the Regional Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Plan and emerging community needs.
• Establish and maintain community yarning sessions throughout the region to provide direction and cultural guidance to activity coordination, deliverables of the Regional Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Plan and emerging community needs.
• Work collaboratively and in partnership (where appropriate) within our organisation and with other organisations on regional suicide prevention activities and initiatives (i.e., Suicide Prevention Coordinators, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Teams etc.).

• Review / update / redevelop the Regional Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Plan as required to reflect our regional communities evolving needs, using a flexible process that incorporates the following guiding principles:

• Nothing for Aboriginal people without Aboriginal people;

• Enable Aboriginal-led solutions; and Cultural understanding and respect.
• Responding to disclosure of suicide ideation, self-harm and/or mental health concerns with offers of referral and guidance towards other appropriate community services through an informed consent process.
• Engaging community in capacity building and educational activities that reflect community need and culturally safe practices.

• Demonstrate the ongoing achievement or progress towards the following outcomes:

• Increasing the literacy about social and emotional wellbeing, and suicide prevention;

• Decreasing the stigma associated with mental health issues and suicide;
• Increasing the ability to seek help for oneself or for others; and
• Increasing coping skills and the ability to manage difficult life experiences.
• Where appropriate, working with the regional postvention group to identify the support community needs following a suicide.
• Attending and contributing to appropriate regional suicide prevention and/or postvention working groups and other meetings/workshops initiatives relevant to suicide prevention as authorised by management.
• Providing formal and informal opportunities for community to coordinate Aboriginal-led solutions, activities and initiatives as well as feedback.
• Other tasks and duties aligned to this service as directed by the Projects & Services Manager.

• Work within SAC's established safety maturity framework to improve SAC's position on the safety maturity curve.
• Lead and demonstrate the SAC's values in all areas of work activity, promoting a positive workplace culture.

For a copy of the Position Description that provides a detailed indication of key responsibilities, required outcomes, reporting and workplace culture requirements, please contact our People & Culture Coordinator by email at or by phoning

Applications close 4 December 2025