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 specialising 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.

About the role

The Director of Residential Elders Aging & Activity Lifestyle Facility (REAALF) role is key for ACES, overseeing our residential aged care and lifestyle programs. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you’ll lead a dedicated team to provide high-quality, culturally safe, and respectful care.

Your focus will be ensuring clinical excellence and vibrant lifestyle activities within the facility. This includes upholding Aged Care Quality Safety Standards and fostering strong relationships with Elders, families, and the wider Aboriginal community. Ultimately, you’ll ensure our Elders experience a nurturing environment where they can age with dignity, identity, and connection.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders to apply.

Key Activities

Clinical Governance & Resident Outcomes

• Oversee comprehensive resident assessment, individualized care plan development, and regular reviews based on evolving needs and preferences.
• Manage and monitor all clinical reporting and resident documentation to meet organisational and regulatory standards.
• Maintain effective liaison with medical personnel and external health and community workers involved in resident care.
• Oversee and ensure the integrity of the facility’s medication management systems and processes.
• Oversee problem resolution within the service impacting residents.

Culturally Safe Care & Lifestyle Environment

• Ensure residents are given opportunities and encouraged to play an active part in the planning, review, and delivery of recreation and leisure opportunities offered to them.
• Champion the integration of culturally safe practices into all aspects of residential and lifestyle services, ensuring the unique needs of Aboriginal Elders are met.
• Ensure the effective and timely delivery of required services to residents.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide consistent leadership, supervision, mentoring, and performance management to all nursing, care, lifestyle, and support staff.
• Recruit and select staff in accordance with ACES policies and procedures, EEO, and related standards.
• Drive staff training and development initiatives to enhance skills and promote best practice, ensuring all care staff attend Mandatory training.
• Manage Annual Leave of care staff, ensuring no staff member goes into excessive leave credits as per ACES Policies and Procedures.
• Manage staff rosters and resource allocation efficiently to ensure optimal staffing levels and continuity of care.
• Foster a positive team culture grounded in respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to Elders’ well-being
• Implementation of Culturally Appropriate Holistic Model of Care

About You

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

• Degree or post-graduate qualifications in Nursing, or a related discipline, with current AHPRA registration and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience working within clinical governance, quality and safety frameworks, including accreditation standards and continuous improvement systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary workforce and industrial relations issues within the aged care sector, with a sound understanding of legislation, aged care standards, and regulatory requirements relevant to nursing practice.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across government, external agencies, executive leadership, multidisciplinary teams, residents and families, supported by strong analytical capability.
• Proven experience in effective conflict resolution, complaint management and fostering positive workplace culture within multidisciplinary clinical teams.
• Proven ability to manage time, lead teams and balance competing clinical and operational priorities in a dynamic healthcare setting.

• Awareness, respect and understanding of for Aboriginal culture including support for Aboriginal self -determination.
• Experience working specifically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is highly desirable.

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

Organisation 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.

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