About the Organisation
The Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (DYHS) was established in 1974 and is the largest Aboriginal community-controlled health service provider in Western Australia, providing care to over 20,000 Aboriginal patients across four clinics in East Perth, Mirrabooka, Maddington and Midland.
Our staff enable the delivery of culturally responsive primary health services, focusing on prevention, early intervention, comprehensive care and care coordination including chronic disease management.
About the Benefits
DYHS as a public benevolent institution offers salary packaging up to $15,900.
Other entitlements include study leave,12 days of personal leave per year, NAIDOC Day holiday and professional development opportunities.
About the role
Reporting to the People Services Director, the Work, Health and Safety (WHS) Advisor plays a key role in ensuring a safe, healthy, and legally compliant work environment for all employees, patients, and visitors across the organisation.
This position is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and monitoring of WHS policies, plans, and programs that reflect both legislative requirements and the unique needs of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
The role is operationally responsible for reducing incidents, improving wellbeing, and embedding safe practices. In doing so, the WHS Advisor fosters an environment where the health, safety, and cultural identity of Aboriginal people is respected, protected, and promoted.
SELECTION CRITERIA
1. Diploma or tertiary qualifications in Work Health and Safety with a minimum of five (5) years’ relevant experience.
2. Strong knowledge of the Work Health and Safety Act, WHS Regulations, and Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981.
3. Demonstrated interpersonal, problem-solving, and analytical skills with the ability to take initiative and deliver innovative, practical solutions.
4. Proven skills in workplace accident and incident investigation, including root cause analysis and risk mitigation.
5. Experience recommending and implementing safety improvements to support a positive and proactive safety culture.
6. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, negotiation, and conciliation.
7. Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering training in health and safety.
8. Competency in Microsoft Office and relevant health and safety systems.
9. Current WA Driver’s Licence.
10. Ability to obtain a WA National Police Clearance (no older than six months) and maintain compliance every three years.
DESIRABLE
1. Understanding of the context and principles of working within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, including a commitment to cultural safety and respect.
2. Experience in WHS roles within a healthcare or community service environment.
3. Knowledge of quality assurance processes and a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provide leadership and cultural support to the Health and Safety Committee and Representatives, ensuring they understand and fulfill their legislative and cultural obligations.
2. Build respectful, trust-based relationships with Executive, managers, teams, and community stakeholders to promote a proactive, inclusive safety culture.
3. Develop partnerships with external organisations including WorkSafe, insurers, other AMSs, and WHS professionals to share knowledge, stay informed, and contribute to sector-wide improvements.
4. Review and maintain Derbarl’s WHS Management System, ensuring policies, procedures, and systems reflect both regulatory requirements and culturally safe work practices.
5. Conduct audits, inspections, and investigations to identify risks and implement control measures, incorporating cultural and community perspectives.
6. Respond to non-compliances or incidents with a focus on learning, transparency, and continuous improvement, ensuring cultural sensitivity is maintained throughout.
7. Analyse WHS data and prepare regular reports to the Executive and Health and Safety Committee, including performance metrics, incident trends, and improvement actions.
8. Actively engage staff at all levels in WHS initiatives and communications, embedding health, wellbeing, and cultural safety into everyday practice.
9. Identify and coordinate WHS training needs across the organisation, including cultural safety training where relevant to WHS outcomes.
10. Promote health and wellbeing initiatives that consider cultural, spiritual, and social determinants of health for Aboriginal staff and communities.
11. Oversee complex return-to-work cases, ensuring a supportive, safe, and culturally appropriate process.
12. Monitor and evaluate workers’ compensation claims and incident reports, identifying preventative strategies with an emphasis on long-term wellbeing.
Appointment Pre-requisites
- Provision of the minimum identity proofing requirements;
- Satisfactory National Police Clearance.
- Current Australian Driver’s license.
- Successful Pre-Employment Health Assessment.
A copy of the Job Description can be obtained by contacting the People Services Team on 1800 311 888 or work@dyhs.org.au.
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.
