• Lead the launch of a culturally informed rehabilitation service on Groote Eylandt
• Drive meaningful alternatives to incarceration alongside the Anindilyakwa community
• Earn circa $126K + super + accommodation + relocation support
• Shape a high-impact program supporting men’s rehabilitation and community reintegration

About DASA

We are Drug and Alcohol Services Australia (DASA), a non-profit organisation focused on rehabilitating people struggling with alcohol and drug misuse or dependency in Central Australia. We work with the Northern Territory Department of The Attorney-General & Justice to deliver upon the aims of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Justice Agreement. Taking a ‘whole person’ approach, we work with key stakeholders to provide alternatives to imprisonment that address the underlying causes of offending.

After almost 40 years in operation, we now offer various services, including a 20-bed therapeutic community with eight and 12-week programs, Transitional After Care Units to aid participants in semi-independent living, and Independent Living Programs, as well as a Sobering-Up Shelter and Outreach Program.

Our Mission and Impact

We envision “Healthy, Safe and Supported communities without the harmful effects of substance use,” and aim to achieve this through our mission, where “DASA walks beside people to help them reduce the harmful effects of alcohol and other drug use. We do this by providing care, support, education and accommodation through a therapeutic community model using a non-judgemental and client-centred approach:"

• Providing client-driven care from crisis to independent living
• Advocating for and on the behalf of clients
• Delivering preventative and continuing education
• Supporting people through outreach services
• Teaching clients skills for life and making positive life choices
• Providing supported residential services for clients and
• Delivering therapeutic interventions

We aim in everything we do to be a place of healing, and as many of our clients are First Nations, we ensure cultural understanding is at the forefront of all of our programs, and our interactions.

Working with Community

Working alongside the Anindilyakwa people, our stakeholders and funders, we ensure Aboriginal Territorians in contact with the justice system as offenders are treated fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.

We now have the exciting opportunity for a Service Manager to work at the newly developed residential service on Groote Eylandt, working closely with the Anindilyakwa people on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract.

The Project

Having provided several residential rehabilitation programs that have effectively reduced recidivism and had a positive impact on the communities they operate in, DASA is excited to be part of this new project in conjunction with the NT Government and Anindilyakwa people, working to establish and operate a residential rehabilitation centre as an Alternative To Custody (ATC) on Groote Eylandt.

DASA has been chosen to run this program based on the success of our Women's ATC program in Alice Springs. 20 women completed the program during an evaluation period, 16 completed their corrections order and have not returned to custody, while three of the four who have reoffended show a reduction in their offending. In comparison, women who completed their sentences in prison have a reoffending rate of 60%.

This project will be a 32-bed rehabilitation facility designed as an alternative to incarceration for men, providing programs to help them with their substance use and underlying issues and provide trauma-informed practice support for them to rehabilitate. This six-month program aims to help these men gain the tools needed to prevent recidivism and encourage their productive participation in their communities. This role is a Fixed Term Contract until 30th June 2027, you will see the impacts and effects this program has on initial participants and the community.

The Anindilyakwa community is very involved in their own justice system, and this project will work closely with local community members, as well as the Anindilyakwa Community Justice Group, to ensure any and all programs are culturally informed and appropriate.

We maintain a number of programs across Central Australia, and while we do have best practices around providing trauma-informed care, it is vital for us to include the local community and take their advice and culture onboard in producing tailored programs for each region. You can see more about these programs and the positive impact they have here:

While DASA has been selected to run this program, we will collaborate with and work alongside the Anandilyakwa people to run this until they are able to take this project over themselves and have self-determination over their own justice and ATC.

About the Opportunity

DASA is looking for a full-time Service Manager based on Groote Eylandt, NT.

Reporting to the Deputy CEO and CEO based in Alice Springs, you will lead the establishment and ongoing operation of a new culturally informed residential rehabilitation service designed as an Alternative to Custody program for men.

This is a unique opportunity to build a service from the ground up while working closely with the Anindilyakwa people, local community groups, and justice stakeholders to deliver meaningful rehabilitation outcomes and reduce recidivism.

Based full-time on Groote Eylandt, you will lead a multidisciplinary team including case managers, support workers, cultural advisors, maintenance staff, and caretakers. You will also play a key role in recruiting, mentoring, and developing local staff to support long-term community-led success.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the establishment and day-to-day operation of the service
• Building strong relationships with the Anindilyakwa Community Justice Group and local stakeholders
• Recruiting, training, and mentoring a diverse team of staff
• Managing facility operations, including accommodation and communal spaces
• Delivering culturally informed and trauma-informed service practices
• Collaborating with government departments, courts, and justice stakeholders
• Supporting program development aligned with community needs and cultural priorities
• Reporting to DASA leadership and contributing to broader organisational initiatives

For a full position description, please click here.

This is a dynamic and diverse role where you will run the service’s programs and may find yourself speaking with government representatives in their office one day, outside in the community, or with the clients on another.

Listening to the community will be one of the most important parts of your role, and you will need to make changes and adjustments to ensure the program runs effectively for the community that it is in.

The Benefits 

When you join DASA, you will have the opportunity to spearhead a new program in a new location. For this, you will receive an attractive salary circa $126,000 + Super, plus great benefits.

Benefits include:

• $15,900 salary sacrificing PLUS remote area benefits
• Accommodation provided
• 6 weeks annual leave
• Relocation assistance
• 4 paid mental health days in addition to sick/personal leave
• Be part of our supportive DASA community
• Opportunities for progression and work on other projects

Best of all, as this is a one-year contract, you will have the opportunity to see first-hand the impact your work makes on this community.

About You

To succeed as our Service Manager, you will have substantial experience running residential community services programs and managing teams, and a strong understanding of the AOD space. A minimum of a Diploma in Community Services or a related qualification in community services, social services, or similar, is required for this role.

Your strong leadership background will help you develop and lead your team for the long-term success of this facility.

You will have the ability and willingness to undertake deep listening to understand the unique stories and circumstances of the people you will be working with. As this role involves the initial set-up, as well as running and maintaining this service, you will have significant experience as a project manager within this sector.

Previous experience with alternatives to incarceration and working with the justice system is important for your success in this role.

You will have:

• Minimum 5+ years running services in community services
• Experience managing diverse teams
• Experience working with and for Aboriginal people and community groups
• Understanding the value and importance of trauma-informed care 
• Strong project management skills and experience
• Respect and understanding of the importance of culture
• Experience working with Indigenous Communities to develop culturally significant programs
• Strong ability to negotiate and build stakeholder relationships with governments and NFPs
• Ability to build rapport with people of all backgrounds

No two days will be the same in this role, and your ability to adapt to changing priorities will serve you well, as will your ability to learn about local culture and lore, and listen to the ways you can incorporate this into the service.

Ready to Apply?

Are you an experienced community services manager looking to make a vital difference in the lives of a community and help decrease incarceration and recidivism? Apply Now.