People Services Director

People Services Director

Salary: $150,000 – $170,000 per annum 

Location: Derbarl Corporate Office | Perth, WA 

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer 

Division: Executive

About Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (DYHS) is a leading Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities across metropolitan Perth.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace where Aboriginal culture, knowledge and leadership are valued and supported.

We are now seeking an experienced and values-driven People Services Director to provide strategic leadership across our People Services and Work Health & Safety (WHS) functions.

About the Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO and working as a key member of the Executive team, the People Services Director will provide strategic direction and operational oversight across the full spectrum of human resources and WHS functions.

This is a highly influential role for an experienced HR/People & Culture leader who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery and who understands the importance of cultural safety, community connection and self-determination.

You will lead the development and implementation of people and safety strategies that support Derbarl’s organisational priorities while strengthening employee experience, leadership capability, workforce planning, organisational development and workplace safety. A key focus of the role will be developing and implementing strategies to increase Aboriginal employment, retention, development and leadership representation across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of HR and WHS professionals to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive services.
• Provide trusted and strategic HR and WHS advice to the CEO, Executive team, managers and Health and Safety Representatives.
• Develop and implement a culturally informed People Services Strategy aligned with Derbarl’s strategic objectives.
• Lead workforce planning, organisational development, industrial relations, performance management, learning and development, WHS, injury management and return-to-work functions.
• Develop and oversee Aboriginal Employment Strategies designed to attract, retain and develop Aboriginal employees at all levels.
• Establish leadership development initiatives to support Aboriginal staff progression into senior and executive roles.
• Work collaboratively with the Aboriginal Advisory Council and Elders to strengthen cultural priorities within workforce and safety practices.
• Champion cultural competency and ongoing learning across the organisation, with a focus on the needs of the Noongar community.
• Identify, assess and manage people and WHS risks and ensure strong legislative and regulatory compliance.
• Lead continuous improvement across HR, WHS systems, processes and technology.
• Build strong partnerships with Clinic and Program Managers, providing coaching and guidance on employee relations, WHS and culturally responsive leadership.
• Contribute to organisational change initiatives through a strong cultural and people-centred lens.

About You

You are an accomplished People & Culture or HR leader who combines strategic capability with strong operational knowledge and a genuine commitment to creating positive workplace outcomes.

You will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Work Health & Safety or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading People & Culture/HR functions within a complex, values-driven organisation.
• Experience within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, Aboriginal organisations, community services or similar environments will be highly regarded.
• Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act, Work Health and Safety legislation, modern awards and contemporary HR practices.
• Demonstrated experience leading organisational change with cultural awareness and a commitment to self-determination.
• A proven track record in developing strategies that increase Aboriginal employment, retention and leadership representation.
• Strong industrial relations, employee relations, WHS and organisational development capability.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, coaching and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A collaborative and consultative leadership style with the ability to build trust at all levels of an organisation.
• A genuine commitment to the values and philosophy of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and to working respectfully with Aboriginal people and communities.
• A current Australian driver’s licence.
• Ability to obtain a National Police Clearance prior to commencement.

Why Join Derbarl?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution beyond traditional HR leadership. As People Services Director, you will have the opportunity to shape organisational culture, strengthen Aboriginal workforce participation and leadership, influence executive decision-making, and build a safer, more inclusive and culturally responsive workplace.

A competitive salary commensurate with relevant qualifications, skills and experience is on offer for the right candidate. Other entitlements include:

• Salary packaging up to $15,900
• Study leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• 12 days of personal leave per year
• NAIDOC Day holiday
• Personalized professional development opportunities

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a detailed Cover letter (2 pages maximum) outlining your suitability for the role. You can request the full Position Description by contacting People Services Team on 1800 311 888 or work@dyhs.org.au. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.