BACKGROUND

Since 1987, ACES has been providing programs and services to Aboriginal Elders. ACES was incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act (1981) and have a Board of Management made up of elected community members.

In the Australian context, ACES is unique in being both Aboriginal community-controlled organisation and specializing in provision of both planned activity group and residential aged care services.  At ACES culture is recognised as central to individual and community health. Further the integration of a range of programs on the site ensures continuity in the assessment and delivery of appropriate care to Aboriginal elders in a culturally appropriate environment as they age.

ENVIRONMENT

Amidst the hustle and bustle of East Brunswick, the Caring Place nestles in the serenity of lush, well maintained, bush-like gardens and the Merri Creek. The setting provides Residents with a friendly, relaxed culturally relevant home-like environment which is important to their health and well-being.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Human Resources Director provides strategic and culturally informed leadership, ensuring the development and implementation of best-practice Human Resources strategies, policies, and practices. This role is fundamental to not only attracting, developing, and retaining a compassionate and skilled workforce, but also to overseeing the effective day-to-day operations of all HR functions. This ensures our team is uniquely equipped to deliver high-quality, culturally safe, and person-centered aged care services specifically for Aboriginal clients, thereby upholding the mission and values of the Aboriginal Community Elders Services.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Shaping Culture & Leadership: Collaborating on and implementing initiatives that promote a positive, inclusive, and adaptive organisational culture. This includes facilitating change, fostering respect and collaboration, and providing key HR insights to leadership with a strong emphasis placed on cultural inclusivity.
• Workforce Management: Leading comprehensive workforce planning, recruitment (end-to-end process), and effective onboarding programs to ensure the organisation attracts, retains, and integrates top talent. This also involves strict compliance with all pre-employment and ongoing checks.
• Employee & Industrial Relations: Managing all aspects of employee and industrial relations, including union liaison, enterprise bargaining, conflict resolution, performance management, and providing expert advice on grievances and disciplinary matters while ensuring legal compliance.
• Learning & Development: Identifying training needs, developing and delivering effective learning programs (including culturally appropriate training), and fostering a culture of continuous professional development.
• Health, Safety & Wellbeing: Supporting and driving Work Health and Safety (WHS) and wellbeing initiatives, managing workers’ compensation, and promoting a proactive safety culture across the organisation.
• HR Administration & Compliance: Ensuring efficient and compliant HR services and practices, including managing our HR systems (HRIS), maintaining accurate documentation, and preparing reports for executive management.

About you:

We are seeking a motivated and committed individual with the following qualifications and experience:

• Tertiary qualification in Human Resources or related field
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a HR Professional
• Demonstrated knowledge of current industrial relations issues and a working knowledge of legislation applicable to the workplace.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills at a number of levels: government; external agencies; management and staff plus a demonstrated high level of analytical and conceptual skills.
• Proven experience in effective dispute resolution and conflict management
• Demonstrated understanding of issues pertaining to human resource management in a cross-cultural environment.
• Proven ability to manage time and competing priorities effectively.
• Awareness, respect and understanding of for Aboriginal culture including support for Aboriginal self -determination.
• Experience with Ready Workforce our HRIS system – Desirable

Most importantly, you will demonstrate our ‘CORE Values’ as detailed below.

ORGANISATIONAL VALUES

Caring 

We care for our Elders and Community in a professional, sharing manner.

Respect 

We show our respect through honest, transparent communication.

Honour 

We proudly honour those we care for with dignity and discretion.

Culturally Safe 

We ensure a culturally safe environment for all those we care for and work with.

Commitment

We are committed to providing our Elders and Community with a choice of the highest quality of care.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A culturally safe and supportive work environment.
• A workplace conveniently located near the beautiful Merri Creek River and gardens.
• Access to Smart Salary Packaging benefits.

Applications will be reviewed, as received, and candidates will be contacted for interviews on rolling basis.

For further enquiries and to obtain a position description please send an email to ACES Human Resources at humanr@acesinc.org.au

Please note this position may only be available to persons of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent (Permitted under section 12 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010: “A person may take a special measure for the purpose of promoting or realising substantive equality for members of a group with a particular attribute”).