Manager, Family Services

Job No: 296317
Location: Katherine, NT

  • Starting salary from $115K + Relocation + Growth Path to Senior Leadership
  • Lead a strong, values-driven team improving family wellbeing in remote Aboriginal communities
  • Work in an organisation where community control, cultural safety, and long-term relationships come first
  • Shape the future of a growing social care program with strong internal support and autonomy
  • Get hands-on with real impact – from governance strategy to on-the-ground connection in the bush

Who We Are & Why We’re Different

Katherine West Health Board (KWHB) is a community-led Aboriginal health service delivering integrated primary healthcare, allied health, and wellbeing programs across more than 160,000 km² of remote NT — stretching from the Victoria River country along the WA border to the tip of the Tanami desert.

Our work is grounded in cultural security, guided by community control, and driven by long-term impact. From maternal health to disability support, we build trusted relationships that lead to real outcomes for our mob in the bush.

As an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation, we value inclusion, local leadership, and purpose-driven people. We’re not your typical workplace — and we’re proud of that.

Learn more: www.kwhb.com.au

Lead a Critical Program at the Heart of Community Wellbeing

Katherine West Health Board is looking for a full-time Manager Family Services, based in Katherine, NT.

Reporting to the Executive Manager Family Services, you’ll lead a multidisciplinary team delivering programs across social care, family violence, disability, and elder care support. You’ll manage operations, staff development, compliance, and strategy, with a strong focus on cultural safety and quality improvement.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Managing day-to-day operations of KWHB family services programs including compliance and resourcing
  • Leading and mentoring coordinators and case managers across multiple streams
  • Liaising with internal and external stakeholders including funders and government agencies
  • Driving quality improvement and ensuring culturally safe and responsive service delivery
  • Writing reports and delivering outcomes in line with funding KPIs
  • Participating in governance committees and strategy meetings

To read the full position description, please click here.

How We’ll Set You Up for Success

We know stepping into a new leadership role — especially in the bush — requires context and support. That’s why your onboarding will focus on connection before strategy.

In your first few weeks, you’ll:

  • Travel to remote communities alongside social workers and maternal and child health teams
  • Visit bush health centres and observe frontline work
  • Meet local stakeholders and partner organisations
  • Shadow the Executive Manager to learn the governance rhythm
  • Gain a full picture of how the service operates across the region

You’ll be supported to learn the landscape, understand the relationships, and build confidence before fully taking the reins.

Step Into a Strong, Values-Led Team With Real Momentum

You’ll report to a grounded, approachable Executive Manager who’s walked in your shoes. Having previously held this role, she brings corporate knowledge, and a genuine interest in your growth – offering close guidance and support. She’s built this team with care, and is committed to maintaining the positive working culture they’ve developed.

You’ll lead a team of ten experienced professionals spanning family support, family violence, NDIS and elder care coordination, support services, and child and family wellbeing.

The team is deeply committed, culturally responsive, and driven by a strong sense of purpose in client advocacy and continuous improvement. Strong foundations and operational scaffolding are now firmly in place, positioning the team to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes for families and communities moving forward.

They’re looking for a leader who’s approachable, steady under pressure, and confident guiding complex work. Someone who listens, mentors, and fosters a safe, supportive environment where people feel backed – especially when the work gets challenging.

Who We’re Looking For

To qualify, you will need a tertiary qualification in Human Services, Social Work, Community Development, Management or a related field. 

The following skills and background will be highly valued:

  • Leadership of multidisciplinary teams
  • Stakeholder engagement and partnership-building
  • Strong written communication and reporting skills
  • Project and program management
  • Cultural competency in Aboriginal community settings

As our ideal candidate, you’re calm, thoughtful, and pragmatic – especially in high-stakes or emotionally complex settings. You’re not just capable, you’re collaborative: a mentor, a relationship-builder, and a systems thinker.

This is an opportunity to lead with purpose, shape an evolving program, and directly contribute to positive outcomes for remote Aboriginal families across the NT.

What’s in It for You

Compensation is a competitive salary starting at $115,000 + super, with flexibility to negotiate for the right candidate. You’ll also enjoy:

  • Relocation assistance and supported onboarding
  • Paid travel allowance to remote NT communities
  • Leadership development and career progression opportunities
  • A respected, culturally grounded organisation driven by impact
  • A warm, supportive team and a strong internal reputation
  • A path into future senior leadership within KWHB

If you’re ready to lead with heart, make real impact, and grow in a role full of purpose – we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of family wellbeing in the NT.

Apply Now

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The Big Rivers region (a 3 hour drive from Darwin) begins south of Kakadu National Park encompassing Pine Creek, then extends over 500km south to Kalkaringi and stretches across the width of the Territory between the Western Australia and Queensland borders. The region is significant in scale, covering over 360,000 square kilometres and accounting for an area greater than that covered by Germany. The region consists of a number of varied natural environments including vast rivers, tropical forests, rocky escarpments and savannah plains.

With eight national parks and reserves throughout the region, as well as five main river systems, this is a truly unique part of the world that many will never get to see. If you're looking for authentic cultural and historical attractions, as well as an outdoor lifestyle that showcases the natural wonders of the Australian outback, look no further.