| Description |
Director of Medical Services (DMS)
Mala’la Health Service | Maningrida, Northern Territory
Overview of the Role
Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (Mala’la) is seeking a Director of Medical Services (DMS) to provide strategic clinical leadership and oversee the delivery of evidence-based comprehensive primary health care and population health. The position requires a high level of interest and commitment to improving the health status of Aboriginal people in Maningrida.
As the most senior clinician within Mala’la, the DMS holds a pivotal executive leadership position, with responsibility and authority for clinical governance, medical workforce leadership, clinical standards and strategic clinical service development.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the DMS is a key member of the Executive Management Team and works in close partnership with the CEO, Directors and senior management to shape organisational priorities and ensure the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality health care.
The position carries direct managerial responsibility for the doctors employed within the Health Service, providing professional leadership, supervision, performance management and workforce development.
Location and Working Arrangements
The position is Darwin-based, with the following standard working arrangement:
• One week per month in Maningrida: Providing clinical leadership, undertaking clinical work and engaging with the community and Health Service teams
• Three weeks per month in Darwin: Based at the Mala’la Health Office in Parap, undertaking executive, strategic and management responsibilities
Some flexibility will be required to accommodate important community outreach events, operational priorities and clinical leave coverage.
Mala’la will provide accommodation in Maningrida and cover flights between Darwin and Maningrida.
Key Responsibilities
• Clinical Leadership & Governance: Provide clinical leadership to Mala’la Health Service in collaboration with other senior roles within the Primary and Public Health Centres
• Clinical Supervision and Development: Provide professional leadership, management, supervision and mentoring to RMPs, RGs, Registrars and medical students
• Clinical Engagement: Participate in providing quality patient care as a member of the multidisciplinary team
• Clinical Standards: With key others contribute to the ongoing Continuous Quality Improvement and Quality Management frameworks, and the formulation of MHSAC Clinical Audit reports
• Executive Leadership: Provide high-level service delivery advice to the Directors and Executive Management team, contributing to organisational planning and decision-making
Please visit our website's Careers page to view the full Position Description.
Remuneration and Benefits Package
Mala’la offers a highly competitive remuneration package of up to $436,696 per annum, inclusive of the Qualified Rural Generalist Allowance for eligible applicants.
The package includes the following:
Remuneration Components
• Base Salary: $258,346 – $277,324 per annum (RL4.2–RL4.4, depending on experience)
• Attraction Allowance: $45,704, payable fortnightly during the first 12 months of employment
• Annual Retention Allowance: $45,704, payable upon completion of the first 12 months of service and every subsequent 12 months
• Professional Development Allowance: $22,852 per annum, paid fortnightly
• Managerial Allowance: $7,619 per annum (Level 1), paid fortnightly
• Qualified Rural Generalist Allowance: An additional 30% of base salary (up to $83,197 per annum) for eligible applicants, subject to applicable AHPRA registration and qualification requirements
Additional Financial Incentives and Employment Benefits
• Medicare Payments: 50% of eligible fees generated, up to a maximum of $100,000 per annum, paid quarterly and eligibility for government Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) MMM7 and WIP Rural Advanced Skills payments, subject to applicable eligibility requirements
• Salary Packaging: Up to $15,900 per annum, plus an additional $2,650 per annum for meals and entertainment
• Annual Leave: Six weeks per year, plus 17.5% leave loading
• Personal Leave: Fifteen days per year
• Travel and Accommodation: Flights between Darwin and Maningrida and accommodation while working in Maningrida, provided by Mala’la
About Mala’la
Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is a respected and accredited Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation providing comprehensive health and community services to the seaside community of Maningrida (520 km east of Darwin), with a population of approximately 3,500 people and its surrounding homelands. These services include Primary Health Care, Aged & Community Care, Family & Community Wellness, Drugs & Alcohol Services. Our work is grounded in the principles of Aboriginal Community Control, cultural respect, self-determination and a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our community.
Essential Qualifications, Experience and Selection Criteria
The role will see you working in a
remote Aboriginal Community. All applicants must have an understanding of, and
commitment to Aboriginal Community Control, self-determination, and the issues
faced by Aboriginal people living in remote settings. To apply, please ensure that you have the following:
• Current AHPRA Registration
• Fellowship of Royal Australian College of GPs (FRACGP), or Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM)
• Demonstrated experience working in Aboriginal health particularly in primary health care service delivery and management, and high-level leadership experience
• Well-developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams in collaboration with the Clinical Leadership, and to share tasks and knowledge with program staff
• Prepared to engage in consulting with patients at the primary health care level to maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points consistent with regulatory requirements
• An understanding and commitment to the principles of Aboriginal Community Control of primary health care delivery
• Computer skills including experience working with clinical IT systems
Other Mandatory Requirements
The successful applicant will also be required to hold:
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check
• Current NT Working with Children Clearance
• Current Driver's Licence
Vaccination & Immunity Screening
Mala’la Health Service is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and clients of our Health Care Centre. In accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines, National Safety and Quality Health Care Service Standards, and other local policies, guidelines and procedures; we mandate that all staff abide by our Worker Immunisation Against Specific VPD Policy, which will be supplied to all successful candidates.
For more information regarding the Vaccination & Immunity Screening requirements, please contact: hr@malala.com.au
Workers' Compensation and Workplace Injury
Mala’la Health Service is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, clients and visitors. Mala’la complies with its obligations under the Return to Work Act 1986 (NT), the Return to Work Regulations 1986 (NT) and applicable work health and safety legislation.
Applicants may be required to provide relevant information about any pre-existing illness or injury that may affect their ability to safely perform the inherent requirements of the position. Any such information will be managed confidentially and in accordance with applicable legislation.
How to Apply
For further information or to discuss the
opportunity confidentially, please contact Aileen Bell, Corporate Services
Manager on 08 7978 7078. Please submit your application to
Aileen.Bell@malala.com.au
Applications close: 11 December 2026
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