First Nations Engagement Lead (Designated)

We’re seeking a passionate First Nations Engagement Lead (Designated) with relevant experience to join the Disability Operations Team working within BSL's Disability Services Portfolio.

• Location:Flexible across any BSL NDIS office location (negotiable due to successful applicant’s preference).
• Travel is required across multiple locations, collaborating with staff and community within relevant service delivery area/s.
• Salary: A competitive remuneration package ranging from $113,691.33 - $118,710.13 per annum + 12% superannuation and $13,000 vehicle allowance.
• Type of Employment: Secondment/Maximum-Term Contract (12 months, until April 2027), full-time (38-40 hours per week).
• This position is identified for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and exemption is claimed under Section 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC).

This isn't just a job, it's a mission to create lasting change.

BSL BENEFITS

• Cultural Values: A work environment that respects and actively supports diversity through provisions such as ten (10) paid days of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Leave.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Access to additional leave entitlements such as Reproductive Leave, Gender Affirmation Leave, Cultural Leave and Family and Domestic Violence Leave.
• Benefits: Including 17.5% leave loading on annual leave, the option to claim up to $18,500 per year via salary packaging, discounted health insurance, discounted child care and optional free flu shots each year.

ABOUT US

At the Brotherhood of St Laurence, we see possibilities.

We believe in unlocking potential and not being defined by limitations. We champion choice, community, and individual strengths, helping individuals thrive, not just survive.

Join a passionate, mission-driven team dedicated to lasting change. We work to create a more compassionate and inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate.

Collaboration is key. We value and work closely with families, friends, and carers, recognising their crucial role in creating a supportive community. Because support matters.

With over 90 years of working alongside policymakers and the community, our legacy of advocating for poverty prevention and systemic change speaks volumes.

Ready to make a difference? Use your skills to empower individuals and build a more just society with BSL.

ABOUT YOUR NEW ROLE

As a First Nations Engagement Lead (Designated), your role is a pivotal function in supporting BSL's Disability Services to develop and continuously improve cultural capability and culturally appropriate practices. You will provide leadership, information and support for all staff across the portfolio, to ensure BSL delivers a high-quality service for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples with disability and their families.

As a First Nations Engagement Lead (Designated), you will:

• Provide practice leadership to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities and staff working alongside them
• Support and guide the development of culturally appropriate and relevant practices for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities and their community
• Review and embed cultural capability within service delivery practice to address barriers experienced by First Nations communities in navigating services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking applicants who have: 

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and social ways of life.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to working with Melbourne's Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Communities.
• Existing relationships with, and capacity to further develop these in BSL Disability Services areas.
• Demonstrated experience relevant to the community and disability sector. Lived experience as person with disability, or a carer of person with disability will be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the NDIS Act 2012 and the participant pathway.
• Proven ability to come across with presence and credibility and address difficult and sensitive topics and questions in a learning environment.
• Ability to conduct reflective practice, apply the NDIS frameworks and refer to research and literature to inform case practice and decision making at an advanced level.
• Experience with highly accountable processes that are subject to external review.

Apply to join us and help lead this exciting new phase of Disability Services.

HOW TO APPLY

When completing your application, please upload each document as a separate attachment.

Your application must include:

• A tailored cover letter
• A current resume showcasing qualifications, demonstrated skills and experiences aligned to the Position Description
• A response to the five (5) statements below (approximately up to 300 words each)
   
  1. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures and social ways of life.
  2.  
     Demonstrated experience and commitment to working with First Nations communities local to Disability Services service areas.
  3.  
     Existing relationships with First Nations communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) local to Metropolitan Melbourne, and capacity to further develop these relationships.
  4.  
     Proven capability to address and navigate difficult and sensitive topics with internal and external stakeholders.
  5.  
     Demonstrated understanding of the role of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Partner in the Community (PitC), Local Area Coordination (LAC) and the Early Childhood Approach (ECA).

SUPPORT

BSL is committed to making recruitment accessible. Our Position Descriptions are now provided in HTML format so they can be viewed easily across different devices and assistive technologies.

How to access the Position Description:

1. Click the Position Description link in the job ad.
2. The file will download automatically.
3. Open the downloaded file - it will launch in your default web browser.
4. If prompted, select your preferred web browser (we recommend Google Chrome for the best experience).

If you experience any issues submitting your application, please email the Recruitment Team for assistance.

QUESTIONS?

For confidential conversations or enquiries, please contact Sophie Hallam - Senior Manager, Service Standards.

• Email: Sophie.Hallam@bsl.org.au
• Phone: 0491 690 954

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

Sunday 22nd March 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

We are an EEO and understand the importance of diversity and inclusion. We recognise that everyone has the right to an equitable, safe and productive environment and to be treated with dignity and respect.  We welcome applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, disability or sexual orientation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence considers that being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under Subsection 26(3) or Section 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC).

Safeguarding Statement

BSL is a child-safe organisation. BSL has zero tolerance to any form of abuse or harm to vulnerable people and is committed to specifically protecting children from harm. Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal history and working with children. Recruitment decisions are based on the key inherent needs and requirements of each role, and candidates are selected based on their unique strengths and characteristics. Applicants must have proof of working rights in Australia.

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