Defence Family Program Coordinator

Safca; Darwin; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks annual leave

Salary packaging to increase take-home

You’re Amazing Day

Free, confidential counselling support

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Lutheran Care is launching a Defence Family Support Program in Darwin to strengthen wellbeing, resilience and social connection for Defence personnel, partners and children. As Defence Family Support Coordinator, you will lead delivery, engage families, and build community networks to support relocations and transitions in the Top End.

This hands-on role oversees day-to-day operations, coordinates volunteers, delivers welcoming activities, and ensures data, KPIs and reporting are managed

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification in Community Services, Social Work, Human Services, or equivalent experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a degree of autonomy.
• Excellent organisation, problem-solving, management and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge and experience of community services, networks and available community resources.
• Experience working with diverse communities and building meaningful partnerships.
• An understanding of trauma-informed, culturally safe and strengths-based practice.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the day-to-day delivery of the Defence Family Support Program, creating a welcoming, safe and professional environment.
• Engage with Defence families and maintain effective processes for participant engagement, referrals and follow-up.
• Help deliver events that create opportunities for shared experiences, peer support and a stronger sense of belonging.
• Build relationships with community organisations, service providers and local stakeholders.
• Develop referral pathways so vulnerable families and those experiencing complex circumstances can access appropriate specialist support.
• Recruit, induct and support volunteers and monitor their contribution to program outcomes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Autonomy

Organization

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Networking

Education

Relevant qualification in Community Services or Social Work

Job description

Job Category: Community Services & Development

Welcome to Lutheran Care!

We are an energetic, forward-thinking, not-for-profit organisation, providing support to people who need it most.

In the Northern Territory, Lutheran Care delivers community services designed to strengthen individuals, families and communities. Our work builds on our strong foundation across South Australia and the Northern Territory, where our programs include emergency relief, financial counselling, family support and education, foster care, homelessness and housing, allied health and NDIS disability services.

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we will walk alongside you. We are committed to reducing barriers and encouraging inclusion and participation for people from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people and people living with disability.

Create connections. Strengthen communities. Support Defence families.

About the Role

Fixed-Term Contract to 30 June 2027

Help Defence Families Thrive in the Top End

We are seeking an enthusiastic and community-minded Defence Family Support Coordinator to lead the delivery of an exciting new Defence Family Support Program in Darwin. This innovative program will strengthen the wellbeing, resilience and social connectedness of Defence personnel, partners and children living in the Top End through community engagement, family support initiatives, referral pathways and partnership development. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a new service, engage directly with Defence families and establish a strong community network that supports families relocating to, living in and transitioning through Darwin.

This is a hands-on coordination role where you’ll oversee day-to-day program operations, build strong community partnerships, coordinate volunteers and help deliver welcoming activities and events. You’ll also ensure program data, KPIs and reporting requirements are managed effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the day-to-day delivery of the Defence Family Support Program, creating a welcoming, safe and professional environment.
• Engage with Defence families and maintain effective processes for participant engagement, referrals and follow-up.
• Help deliver events that create opportunities for shared experiences, peer support and a stronger sense of belonging.
• Build relationships with community organisations, service providers and local stakeholders.
• Develop referral pathways so vulnerable families and those experiencing complex circumstances can access appropriate specialist support.
• Recruit, induct and support volunteers and monitor their contribution to program outcomes.

What’s in it for You

When you join Lutheran Care, you’ll enjoy:

• 6 weeks annual leave
• Salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• You’re Amazing Day, an extra day off, just for you
• Free, confidential counselling support
• Flexible working arrangements for work-life balance

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who is organised, approachable and confident building relationships across the community.

You’ll bring:

• A relevant qualification in Community Services, Social Work, Human Services, or equivalent experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a degree of autonomy.
• Excellent organisation, problem-solving, management and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge and experience of community services, networks and available community resources.
• Experience working with diverse communities and building meaningful partnerships.
• An understanding of trauma-informed, culturally safe and strengths-based practice.

Lived experience of working within Defence and experience supporting staff or volunteers to deliver programs for people impacted by isolation would be highly regarded, but are not essential.

The successful applicant will be required to hold a satisfactory NT Working with Children Clearance, National Criminal History Check and an unrestricted Australian Driver’s Licence. The role also requires access to a registered and roadworthy vehicle for work use, with employees reimbursed for work travel. Some regional or interstate travel and out-of-hours work, including overnight stays, may also be required.

At Lutheran Care, inclusion, compassion, courage and social justice guide everything we do.

We know diversity makes us stronger and helps us better support our communities. If you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, living with disability, part of the LGBTIQA+ community, culturally diverse, or bring lived experience, your voice and experience matter to us, and we encourage you to apply.

Please note: this ad may close early if we appoint a suitable candidate.