First Nations Employment Services Mentor - Darwin

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals facing employment barriers? Saltbush is seeking dedicated and culturally aware Mentors to join our Employment Services team in Darwin.

Position Details:

• Location: Darwin
• Employment Type: Permanent Full-time
• Excellent Remuneration: $75k - $80k + 12% super + salary packaging + 5 weeks annual leave
• Hours: Normal business hours, with flexibility for additional hours as needed
• Travel: Occasional travel to other Saltbush service locations

This position is identified for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and is intended to constitute a special measure under section 8 (1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT).

About Saltbush: Saltbush Social Enterprises is a place where stories of strength and resilience come together. We are a not-for-profit organisation based in the Northern Territory, dedicated to supporting individuals as they walk towards brighter futures. Our mission is to uplift and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, through meaningful employment and community-driven programs.

The Role: As a Mentor within Employment Services at Saltbush, you will play a vital role in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants to overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve sustainable employment.

You will be a consistent and trusted presence, forming strong professional relationships that support individuals in setting and reaching meaningful personal goals.

The role is designated for a person of Aboriginal heritage to be part of the team that will be working directly for the advancement of local Aboriginal community members.

Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally safe approach, you will mentor and coach participants through life and employment challenges, facilitating learning, self-awareness and positive behavioural change.

This role requires an understanding of the multiple and complex employment barriers many people face working with a case load of individuals.

Your role is central to supporting long-term outcomes that create lasting change, not just for individuals, but for families and communities.

As a Saltbush Mentor you will be an effective and positive force, willingly embracing our collaborative approach towards developing ever more effective employment services.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

To ensure success in your role as a Mentor, you will:

Participant Engagement & Mentoring

• Deliver professional case management and mentoring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers, supporting their transition into and retention of sustainable employment.
• Facilitate one-on-one and group mentoring sessions, applying coaching strategies to encourage confidence, independence, and ownership of goals.
• Support participants in navigating personal development plans, which may include connecting with family, community, accessing external services, and engaging in program activities.
• Apply a trauma-informed and culturally appropriate approach to all interactions, fostering trust and respectful relationships.
• Support trainees in building their capacity and confidence to facilitate mentoring relationships and contribute to positive learning outcomes.

Program Coordination & Learning Delivery

• Participate in screening, interviewing and selecting individuals to join employment programs.
• Collaborate with Mentors, Trainers and Counsellor to co-design individual plans with measurable goals and realistic actions.
• Plan and deliver structured and flexible workshops that build employability and soft skills aligned with participant needs.
• Contribute to the design and continuous improvement of program tools and documentation including manuals, procedures, forms and flowcharts.

Stakeholder & Employer Engagement

• Collaborate with employers and local support services to coordinate work placements, workshops and events that support participants employment journeys.
• Promote employment programs by sharing relevant information and setting clear expectations around participation.
• Engage with external service providers to facilitate access to services needed by individuals, consistent with individual plans and counsellor advice. This may include transport and attendance – where requested and appropriate – for individual appointments. Liaise with external service providers to support access to essential services, including transport and appointment attendance when appropriate.
• Engage with employment service providers to ensure accurate reporting and compliance related to income support obligations.

Reporting, Evaluation & Communication

• Maintain accurate and timely digital records of participation, attendance and outcomes to support program monitoring and evaluation and reporting. Gather and share success stories and Group highlights for use in marketing, communications and social media.
• Communicate effectively through email, phone, reports, and presentations to engage stakeholders and share program progress.

 Team Collaboration & Contribution

• Work collaboratively within the Employment Services team to ensure shared accountability for participant outcomes and program impact.
• Engage with the broader Saltbush team and utilise shared internal services including finance, recruitment, IT, marketing, risk and quality.
• Foster a team culture focused on continuous improvement, respectful practice, and innovation in service delivery.

Essential Criteria:

• This role is designated for a person of Aboriginal heritage to be part of the team that will be working directly for the advancement of local Aboriginal community members. Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required for employment.
• Willingness and ability to successfully complete the full accredited Saltbush 11055NAT Course in Mentoring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Mentors within the 6-mont probationary period.
• Demonstrated experience working within employment services, preferably with direct engagement with Aboriginal job seekers.
• Proven ability to build trusting relationships with individuals who present with multiple and complex needs; while maintaining confidentiality and showing respect for lived experience, cultural identity and personal challenges.
• Sound understanding and application of trauma-informed, culturally safe approaches to support and mentoring.
• Strong problem-solving skills that support individuals to take ownership of their goals and build resilience.
• Proficiency in MS Office and the ability to quickly learn new systems and processes for data capture and reporting.
• Experience in designing and delivering soft skills and employability development activities through structured, yet flexible, learning formats.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and work effectively both independently and within a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage via email, social media, phone, presentations and reports.

Highly Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in Employment Services, preferably with a CDP or Workforce Australia provider.
• Qualification in Employment Services, Community Services or a related field.

Ready to Make a Difference? We’re looking for someone who’s ready to start this journey with us. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear your story.

Employment is Subject to the Provision of the Following:

• National Police Clearance (no more than three months old)
• NT Working with Children (OCHRE) Card
• Current NT Driver’s Licence
• Current First Aid
• Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.

How To Apply: Please complete the required screening questions, submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the key requirements.

Interviews on: Rolling interviews Applications are assessed as they are received and interviews may be conducted throughout the advertising period. We encourage you to apply early, as positions may be filled before the closing date.

Saltbush Social Enterprises is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitable candidates, especially Indigenous individuals passionate about supporting their communities.

For more information about the Indigenous Skills and Employment Program, go to https://www.saltbushnt.org.au/indigenous-skills-and-employment-program-isep/