Program Development Officer - Yarning First Aid

St John WA has been serving the Western Australian community since 1922. Our organisation has grown into an integrated healthcare provider, connecting people across WA to lifesaving emergency services, urgent care, and health education.

We are a not-for-profit organisation, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the safety, wellbeing, and health of everyone, no matter where in WA they live. Our services are powered by more than 8,000 dedicated employees and volunteers who bring care, skill, and compassion to every corner of the state.

About the Role:

The Program Development Officer is responsible for designing, developing and embedding the Yarning First Aid Program within St John WA. The role works in partnership with First Nations communities to create culturally safe, non accredited first aid and preventative health yarning circles, and to develop the resources, tools and processes that enable St John trainers and local First Nations facilitators to deliver the program safely and consistently. A key focus is to design and grow a sustainable model for First Nations facilitators, including pathways, support and resources that enable community members to lead Yarning First Aid in their own communities. The role also supports funding applications, reporting and stakeholder engagement to help sustain and expand the program. This is a Full Time 6 month contract based in Belmont, reporting into the Head of Training Design and Governance.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the design, development and continuous improvement of the Yarning First Aid Program, ensuring it is culturally safe, community‑led, relevant and evidence‑based.
• Co‑design program content, delivery approaches and resources with First Nations people, Elders, facilitators and community representatives.
• Develop and review culturally appropriate training materials and informal evaluation tools appropriate to a yarning circle format.
• Ensure program content aligns with safe first aid practice, St John WA quality frameworks and relevant clinical and RTO guidance.
• Coordinate pilot delivery across communities and use feedback, reflection and data to refine program content, resources and processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nations communities, internal teams, government agencies, funding bodies and partners.
• Support funding activities including grant applications, reporting, acquittals and the collection of program data, stories and impact evidence.
• Design and support culturally safe, sustainable pathways for First Nations facilitators, including recruitment, onboarding, mentoring and ongoing support.

What You’ll Need:

• Relevant qualification in Community Development, Education, Health, Project Management or related field is desirable.
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, or willingness to obtain
• Experience working in community based or culturally focused programs is highly regarded.
• Experience working in community development, training development, health promotion or project based environments.
• Experience supporting, mentoring or building capability in First Nations staff, volunteers or community leaders is highly regarded.
• Demonstrated ability to engage respectfully and effectively with First Nations communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organisation, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work autonomously.
• Understanding of training delivery environments and RTO compliance is desirable.
• Commitment to culturally safe practice and continuous improvement.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and supporting Aboriginal leadership or facilitation is highly desirable.

Benefits:

The successful candidate will be offered an interactive and supportive working environment, along with:

• $550 Health and Wellness reimbursement
• 17.5% leave loading
• Corporate uniform
• Salary packaging and novated leasing
• Consumer discounts
• Discounts on first aid equipment
• Complimentary First Aid Training
• Complimentary ambulance cover

- Identified Role (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only)

This is an Identified position and is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants, in accordance with Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and will be required to provide confirmation of identity if successful.

Ready to Apply?

To be considered for this opportunity, please click Apply Now. You will need to complete the online application form and submit the following:

1. Up to date CV detailing key experiences and work history.
2. Cover letter addressing relevant experience, skills and Selection Criteria questions outlined below

• What is your motivation for applying for the position?

Applicants will receive an automated receipt on application. If you have not received this email, please contact the Talent Sourcing team prior to the closing date and time. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applications that do not include both a cover letter and resume may not be considered.

Alternatively, if you have any questions, please contact Careers on (08) 9334 1436 or via email at careers@stjohnwa.com.au

Applications close on 6th February 2026 at 6pm.

St John WA is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and diverse workplace where everyone feels safe to be themselves. We encourage applications from people of all ages, genders, nationalities, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the LGBTIQ+ community.

St John WA is a child-safe organisation and takes a proactive approach to child safety. We ensure all children engaged in St John WA services are protected, respected, and empowered. Our commitment is supported by clear policies and procedures that reinforce our safeguarding practices.

St John WA reserves the right to select a shortlist from the applications received. The selection process employed will be at the discretion of St John WA.