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Senior Advisor, Closing the Gap
Department for Correctional Services
Job reference: 843438
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About the Department for Correctional Services
The Department employs approximately 2,000 staff and has responsibility for nine prisons and fifteen Community Correctional offices across the state. Our vision is for a safer community by protecting the public and reducing re-offending. We work towards this through the contribution of staff who are employed in a wide variety of fields, from correctional officers and teachers, to social workers, psychologists and supervisors of court orders. Their commitment ensures we deliver quality services to prisoners, offenders and victims of crime. We strongly promote diversity and equity in our workforce, which directly contributes to greater effectiveness and better outcomes. In a supportive and collaborative environment, you will encounter interesting professional challenges and you will work alongside dedicated and passionate people who help to turn around the lives of offenders and rebuild lives affected by crime.

Duties
The Senior Advisor, Closing the Gap reports to the Manager, Aboriginal Strategy, Policy and Government Relations located within the Aboriginal Services Directorate (ASD) and is responsible for the contribution to the effective reporting functions of the Department for Correctional Services (DCS) strategic priorities and State Governments commitment to Closing the Gap. The role is responsible for:

  • Coordinating, developing, researching and implementing projects to support the work of the Aboriginal Services Directorate and Department.
  • Presenting reporting obligations relating to the State Governments commitment to Closing the Gap; DCS Aboriginal Strategic Framework and Action Plans, DCS Reconciliation Action Plan and other government Strategic plans or objectives that arise.
  • Contributing to the initiating, delivering, monitoring and reviewing of policies and change projects for the Department.
  • Coordinating, developing, and implementing research and projects to support the work of the ASD and DCS.
  • Contributing to the development and implementation of departmental strategic priorities and policy through researching and analysing of data, literature and international and other jurisdictional policy and practice and, the development of trends and issues.
  • Providing advice, preparing reports, briefs as well as other correspondence to the Aboriginal Affairs Executive Committee (AAEC) and other stakeholders.

Special Conditions

  • Section 47 of the Public Sector Act 2009 applies in conjunction with other provisions of the act and other applicable industrial entitlements
  • The incumbent is required to satisfactorily complete a National Criminal History Check;
  • A current South Australian Driver’s Licence is essential;
  • A flexible approach to working hours is required;
  • Some interstate and intrastate travel will be required which may necessitate overnight absences.

Requirements

  • Demonstrated high level conceptual and research skills, including the ability to analyse and interpret data, information, and current / emerging trends, and provide strategic advice on policy development.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and relationship management skill including the ability to collaboratively work with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proven experience to communicate and work with Aboriginal people and communities in a way which displays empathy and cultural sensitivity and an ability to listen attentively.
  • Proven experience to communicate effectively in a clear and succinct manner both orally, and in writing to all levels of the department, across state government and to stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience in working independently under broad direction in leading the timely planning, development, and management of complex policy projects using sound project management methodology.
  • Demonstrated skills and experience in undertaking high quality research, project management, risk assessment, to identify and analyse problems to develop and implement appropriate solutions.
  • Proven experience in analysis and recommendations and in the form of written reports and other departmental correspondence to a range of stakeholders including DCS Executive on State Governments commitment to Closing the Gap.
  • Demonstrated competency in the use of basic Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and related collaboration platforms such as O365/SharePoint.
  • Knowledge of Aboriginal history and culture, together with an understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal people in the workforce.
  • Knowledge of the issues faced by Aboriginal offenders and the Aboriginal community within the context of the Criminal Justice System.
  • Experience working in human service organisations.
  • General knowledge of personnel management principles under the Public Sector Act, Work Health & Safety Act, and the Equal Opportunity Act.
  • General knowledge of DCS organisational structure and the South Australian Justice system.

Remuneration
ASO6 ($102,171 - $108,071)

Enquiries
Ms Breanna Croft 
Senior Advisor, Closing the Gap 
08 8226 9409
Breanna.Croft@sa.gov.au

Application Instructions
All applications must be submitted online via I Work for SA.
All written applications must provide a covering letter, all written applications are required to include additional information that specifically addresses the selection criteria outlined in the Job and Person Specification. Your response to each key selection criteria should not exceed one page in length.
Please note: Applicants that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered for shortlisting.
Refer to the Advice to Applicants for information on how to apply.
Applicants are required to complete the Employment Declaration if not currently employed by the Department for Correctional Services.

Additional Information 
This is a temporary vacancy for up to 12 months.
There is one position available.
Successful applicant will be appointed at either classification depending on the qualification and experience held.

This position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984.

DCS is an equal opportunities employer, and our workplace reflects the diverse communities that we serve. Safety at Work is central to our mission — emphasising respectful relationships, psychological wellbeing, and the physical and cultural safety of all employees.

 


Applications close: 21/05/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- 20240326 - JPS Senior Advisor, Closing the Gap (ASO6).pdf
- Advice to Applicants.pdf
- DCS Pre-Employment Declaration - V8.2 - March 2026 (Fillable).pdf


Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.