• Location – Parramatta, Coffs Harbour or Tamworth, 2-3 days in the office, with flexible work arrangements
• Employment type – Temporary, Full-Time role, Until 30 June 2026
• Salary – Clerk Grade 9/10, $125,693 - $138,510 per annum, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation
• Industry leading training with ongoing career development and support

The Department of Communities and Justice acknowledges lived experience and how it contributes to the valuable work we do with the community.

We strongly encourage and support applications from people who are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. 

While all applications are welcome, once we have determined through merit-based assessment which candidates meet the pre-established standards of the role, we will select the candidate who is also of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent.

About the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO)

The Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) is a statutory body established under the Aboriginal Housing Act 1998 (NSW) to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW have access to affordable, quality housing.

The AHO is governed by an all-Aboriginal Board, and prides itself on having majority Aboriginal staff.  The AHO works alongside Aboriginal organisations and communities to support the Aboriginal housing sector and deliver policies and programs that result in positive outcomes for communities across NSW.

The AHO provides a unique and exciting environment to develop your career and we are always looking for talented staff dedicated to improving the lives of Aboriginal people in NSW.

What you’ll do

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Housing Policy Team within AHO. The Senior Policy Officer role will be an ever developing position requiring you to continuously develop, maintain and improve AHO’s policies.

The responsibilities in this role will include (but are not limited too):

• Developing new, well-rounded, and evidence-based policy responses taking into account research and analysis from external and internal sources, the diverse interests of stakeholders and considerations of a whole-of-government approach.
• Delivering on multifaceted policy projects and processes within agreed upon deadlines and quality standards.
• Providing leadership, guidance, support and a point of contact for business unit staff on DCJ policies that impact business unit operations.
• Liaising with and working across AHO, DCJ Divisions and non-government stakeholders to ensure effective interface between policy development, program development, planning, service design and policy implementation.
• Ensuring recommendations are based on sound evidence, but at times may be required to use their judgment under pressure or in the absence of complete information or as a source of expert advice to internal stakeholders across the AHO as well as externally. 

What we’re looking for

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must hold:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to network and build a rapport with both internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Strong research skills.
• Experience in policy writing (preferably within government).
• Strong decision-making skills with a high level of confidence.
• The ability to work autonomously as well as within a team to develop the best and most accurate documentation.

Download the role description.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!

Are you ready to join us?

Click "Apply Now", attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Karen Fischer on 0417 399 855 or at [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy Officer - Aboriginal Housing Office - Parramatta / Coffs Harbour / Tamworth enquiry via EthicalJobs.

If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Syvonne Pereira on 0402 600 846 or via [email protected].

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people <https://www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-at-dcj/pathways/careers-for-aboriginal-people.html>

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application. 

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/