Social Programs Officer

Social Programs Officer for Community Led NFP in Pilbara, WA

Social Programs Officer Pilbara, Western Australia | Full-time, permanent.

Looking for a meaningful role where you can make a genuine impact while working alongside remote Indigenous communities?

This is a unique opportunity to join a respected community-led organisation dedicated to strengthening culture, supporting sustainable communities, and empowering people through culturally grounded programs across remote desert regions in Western Australia.

The organisation is seeking a Social Programs Officer to support Indigenous participants through innovative diversionary, wellbeing and community support programs.

This hands‑on role sits within a small and supportive Social Programs team and focuses on building strong relationships, providing practical support and advocacy, and helping participants reconnect with Country, culture and positive life pathways away from the justice system.

You will work closely with participants, families, community members and key stakeholders to coordinate culturally led workshops and activities, support training and personal development opportunities, and assist participants to navigate complex systems including justice, parole and community corrections.

The role requires regular travel and time spent on Country and within remote communities.

You will support participants through mentoring, advocacy, transport coordination, transition planning and ongoing wellbeing support, while helping to create opportunities for long‑term learning, employment and community engagement.

The position also involves assisting with prison visits and meetings, supporting bail and parole processes, monitoring participant wellbeing and risks, maintaining program records and reporting, and contributing to ongoing program evaluation and improvement.

The broader Social Programs team delivers a range of initiatives that support individuals, families and communities facing challenges such as incarceration, substance misuse, violence, social disadvantage and limited access to services.

Through a culturally informed and strengths‑based approach, these programs aim to strengthen leadership, build community capability, support cultural continuity and create positive long‑term outcomes for participants and their communities.

Strong communication, organisation, cultural awareness and relationship‑building skills are essential, along with a genuine commitment to empowering Indigenous leadership and supporting community wellbeing.

Traditional Owners hold native title over approximately 15 million hectares of Country, including a large national park spanning several desert bioregions.

This region contains some of the most intact arid ecosystems in the world and is home to iconic and threatened desert species such as the greater bilby, northern quoll and great desert skink.

Cultural and environmental values are deeply interconnected across this landscape.

The landscape, water sources, habitats, fauna and flora of this country together comprise a cultural landscape in which identity, beliefs, creation stories, sacred sites, cultural practices and traditional livelihoods are embedded.

This is a full‑time permanent position, beginning ASAP or 2027, or for the right person a start date can be negotiated.

There is the possibility of employment for partners with either the organisation or other service providers in the community.

The role is split between the Martu remote communities and Newman and requires some travel further afield.

Candidates must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work.

Benefits

• Salary to be discussed with short-listed candidates
• Fully furnished accommodation, either shared or private, in Newman.
• Four return flights from Newman to any Australian capital city or NZ, per calendar year (not accruable) up to $750 each.

Or, alternatively, four ground travel allowances up to $750 each (not accruable).

• 8 weeks leave per annum with additional 13 days (approximately) rostered days off
• Ability to salary package
• Relocation costs up to $3,000
• Internet provided and assistance with phone
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Work laptop provided
• Use of vehicle for work programs

Footprint Placements will provide benefits to assist you in your transition to remote life including,

• Cultural Competency training with the Stronger Smarter Institute (one term+ contracts)
• First aid certification (6 month+ contracts)

What You Need to Succeed!

• Commitment and ability to work in a cross-cultural environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively as part of a team in difficult and demanding scenarios.
• An ability to engage and collaborate with other staff, external stakeholders and partners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven coordination, training and development skills.
• Good organisational and administrative skills including the ability to multitask.
• Comfortable with working remotely and camping on-Country.
• Good practical skills and ability to manage and maintain equipment, technology and vehicles necessary for on-Country work.
• Competent in the use of technology generally and Microsoft Office products in particular.
• Satisfactory National Police Check (to be finalised prior to probationary period).
• Current WA Working with Children Card (to be finalised prior to probationary period).
• Current WA manual C class driver's licence (or equivalent in other Australian jurisdictions).

Desirable

• Four-wheel drive/ offroad experience.
• Demonstrated experience/qualifications relating to one or more of the following: social work or community development.
• Creative, innovative and a problem solver.
• #J-18808-Ljbffr