Location: Aboriginal Health Manager Operational Issues Mental Health & Drug and Alcohol Manager Program Issues

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1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Location: Reporting to: Direct Reports: Position Classification: Aboriginal Mental Health Officer TBC Aboriginal Health Manager Operational Issues Mental Health & Drug and Alcohol Manager Program Issues Not applicable 3 Senior Support Officers & Executive Administration Purpose of Position The Aboriginal Mental Health Worker (AMHW) is responsible for assisting the Aboriginal Health Access Manager with the development and implementation of strategies to improve the capacity of general practice and other mainstream primary health care providers to deliver culturally appropriate primary mental health services, increase awareness and understanding of initiatives to close the gap in Indigenous health outcomes. The AMHO also will be supported and guided in developing mental health strategies and identifying mental health outcomes by the Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Manager. The AMHO will assess and advise on the policy environment for Aboriginal Mental Health. They will support the planning, delivery, data collection and review of mental health service provision across the HNECC region to ensure that services are available, clinically appropriate and meet the needs of the population. The AMHO will collaborate with and inform other members of the Health Access and Performance team to help generate relevant information and data needed to support the improvement of primary care services in the region. This role will review existing services and, informed by the Australian Government s response to the National Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services (the Review) or any other relevant research, provide recommendations that will inform the strategic direction of the HNECC PHN. The position supports the strategic objectives of HNECC by further developing and consolidating existing partnerships with Local Health Districts and others to improve care in the whole of the health system producing measurable outcomes in Aboriginal Mental Health as one of the agreed target areas. HNECC considers that being Aboriginal is a genuine occupational qualification under s14 of the Anti- Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). 1

2 While HNECC recognises that there are people of both Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent living across the region, reference is made as Aboriginal in recognition of Aboriginal people being the first people of NSW Key Responsibilities Improving Access Led by the Aboriginal Health Manager and with direction from the Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Manager, in collaboration with the wider Health Planning and Performance team, undertake a needs assessment to identify the barriers that exist for Aboriginal people to access culturally appropriate, quality primary mental health care in the HNECC area (through mainstream primary mental health care services) Led by the Aboriginal Health Manager and with direction from the Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Manager, develop and implement strategies that will influence and improve access to mainstream primary mental health care for Aboriginal people living in the Region. Act as a liaison and support for Closing the Gap information to the Aboriginal Health Access Team, and work collaboratively with broader HNECCPHN teams on projects that may include an Aboriginal Mental Health focus. Provide support and advice to ensure other programs coordinated through HNECC promote cultural awareness and sensitivity Work with the commissioning team to ensure service contracts are considered, awarded and issued with a consideration of the organisation s or provider s cultural competence. Monitor the quality and outputs of both commissioned and procured Aboriginal mental health services. Ensure all education strategies incorporate the principles and importance of health literacy Record accurate data and assist with relevant reports Policy Analyse the developing mental health policy directions stemming from the Government s response to the review and the emerging issues contributing to the National Mental Health Plan and their impact on the Aboriginal population. Provide reports and briefs as necessary to the Executive, Board and key stakeholders on national mental health policy and its interaction with other significant and relevant policy directives at a State and national level and issues specifically related to the Mental Health of the Aboriginal population Assess and report on mental health policy for Aboriginal people as it relates to the broader context of social policy for the HNECC region Stakeholder Engagement Establish and maintain relationships with relevant local stakeholders in Aboriginal mental health, particularly local communities, general practices and Aboriginal Medical Services Establish and maintain links with other organisations providing mental health services to Aboriginal people in the region in a view of a holistic approach to health Attend relevant community and interagency meetings and provide appropriate feedback to teams within the HNECC 2

3 Establish and maintain contact with primary health care providers, including general practice, pharmacy, allied health providers and LHD s Community Health services Operational Support and assist in the planning, reporting assessment, data collection and review of activities identified in the HNECC PHN Mental Health program Conduct a comprehensive review of existing Aboriginal and mainstream mental health programs and provide recommendations to inform future decision making related to Aboriginal mental health services across the HNECC region in line with the national policy framework for mental health. Investigate and develop alternative models of Aboriginal mental health service delivery in line with funding allocations and in the context of changes that stem from the Review Work collaboratively with the Quality, Commissioning and Improvement team and within the HNECC commissioning framework to support service design, foster health service provider (provider) relationships and support procurement and contracting Promote and disseminate Aboriginal mental health services information to support integration and coordination of care between providers and to support access to mental health services for Aboriginal consumers, their families and for communities. Proactively work within the HNECC Health Planning team and with Integration Officers to ensure Aboriginal mental health services address the identified needs of the population Work collaboratively with the HNECC Contract Manager to ensure provider contracts are developed in accordance with relevant legislation and funding schedules Maintain statistical data, to evaluate and provide reports based on the program s KPIs Other Display an attitude and behave in a manner that is in keeping with the HNECC PHN Core values and guiding principles (respect, innovation, accountability, integrity and cooperation) Identify and develop enhancements and add value to the existing processes through the development of continuous improvement opportunities Provide a no wrong door service approach to enquiries which is courteous, friendly, supportive and professional to achieve a prompt response Work Health and Safety relevant text must be included in all position descriptions While at work, a worker must: Take reasonable care of his or her own health and safety and take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons Comply so far as the worker is reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction by management and comply with HNECC policies and procedures relating to health and safety Selection Criteria 3

4 Essential Criteria Identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be an active member within your community; Have a demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively with and to effectively engage with Aboriginal people and communities; Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal mental health and mental health service delivery within the Australian health and social context Demonstrated ability to: o develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders o influence stakeholder behaviour and the adoption of change o consult meaningfully with the community o develop plans and set priorities o use a range of software packages including Outlook and MS Office, with Word and PowerPoint o work autonomously, under the direction of remote management, and effectively form relationships for collaboration between geographically dispersed team members. Desirable Criteria Understanding of the primary health care sector Experience developing and delivering cultural awareness training Demonstrated skills and experience in data collection, analysis and reporting. Tertiary Qualifications in a health related field Special Conditions Some out of hours work on evenings and weekends may / will be required (e.g. attendance at community forums or meetings) for which flexible working hours may be negotiated with manager. Regular travel required including overnight travel Appointment Pre-requisites Verification of current NSW drivers licence Evidence of access to a comprehensively insured motor vehicle National Police Check Proof of Aboriginality Acceptance of Position 4

5 I hereby accept the position as outlined in the above points and agree to abide by the HNECC values, policies and procedures. I understand this Position Description is designed to provide a guide to the responsibilities and activities to be undertaken in this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list and is not exclusive of additional responsibilities as elements may vary from time to time. Signature Date Document Management <title> Manager: HR Review: Executive Approver: 5