Job Description

Make a real difference in the early development of Aboriginal children and families.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service (DYHS) is seeking a passionate and community-focused Maawit Maladjiny Project Officer to join our Research team. This exciting role supports a major community-based project focused on improving early childhood neurodevelopment outcomes for Aboriginal babies in Perth.

The Maawit Maladjiny Project is a collaborative initiative led by Edith Cowan University in partnership with Child and Adolescent Health Service – Community Health and Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service. The project evaluates the Care for Child Development (CCD) program, developed by WHO and UNICEF, which supports early childhood development, responsive caregiving and maternal wellbeing. This is a meaningful opportunity to work directly with Aboriginal families and contribute to research that will shape better health outcomes for future generations.

About the Role

As the Maawit Maladjiny Project Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting families participating in the study and ensuring the successful delivery of this important research project.

You will engage with families, assist with participant recruitment and retention, collect study information, and liaise with project partners and healthcare providers to ensure the project runs smoothly. This will be a 50D identified Maximum Term Full-time position for 2 years from start date.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Recruitment and Engagement

• Identify eligible families for the study and support recruitment activities.
• Explain the research project and obtain informed consent from participants.
• Collect baseline information and deliver study materials.
• Maintain regular communication with participating families.

Participant Support and Retention

• Build trusting relationships with Aboriginal families involved in the project.
• Support families to remain engaged in the study and attend scheduled health checks.
• Work collaboratively with recruitment and retention teams to minimise participant drop-out.

Project Coordination

• Assist in implementing research protocols and data collection processes.
• Work closely with project stakeholders to support delivery of the Care for Child Development (CCD) program.

Research Program Support

• Provide administrative support to the DYHS Research Manager.
• Assist with documentation, meeting minutes and coordination tasks related to the DYHS Research Program.

About You

You are a compassionate and organised professional who enjoys working with families and communities while contributing to meaningful health research. To be successful, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pursuant to Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act
• Relevant qualifications in community health, research, or a related field
• Experience working with Aboriginal families or communities
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience using data collection tools and reporting systems
• Understanding of early childhood development and responsive caregiving
• Ability to engage effectively with families, health professionals and research teams
• Flexibility and adaptability in a research environment

Desirable

• Experience in research projects, community health initiatives or public health programs.
• Experience in community engagement or recruitment for research studies.

Other Requirements

• Current Working with Children Check
• Satisfactory National Police Clearance (not older than 6 months)
• Valid WA Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel
• Successful Pre-employment Health Assessment

Why Join Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service?

You will be part of a passionate organisation committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in Perth. We offer a supportive environment where your work contributes to meaningful community outcomes. A competitive salary commensurate with relevant qualifications, skills and experience is on offer for the right candidate. Other entitlements include:

• Salary packaging up to $15,900
• Study leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• 12 days of personal leave per year
• NAIDOC Day holiday
• Personalized professional development opportunities

How to Apply:

Please apply through SEEK, applications must include:

- Current Resume including current contact details; and

- Cover letter addressing the selection criteria (2 pages maximum) outlining your suitability for the role.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is an equal opportunity institution, providing educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, colour, gender, age, or disability.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service reserves the right to contact the current or most recent employer and evaluate past employment records of applicants selected for interview.

The organisation reserves the right to re-advertise the position or to delay final selection if it is deemed that applicants for the position do not constitute an adequate applicant pool.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles.