Vision: Purpose: Values: A community where all young people are valued included and have every opportunity to thrive To enable young people experiencing serious disadvantage to access the resources and support they require to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Honesty We are impartial and authentic in our practice and in how we relate to colleagues within and outside of our organisation Empowerment Acceptance Respect We create a positive environment for staff and young people to make valuable contributions We accept and value the diversity of people, cultures and life s experience We respect the rights of others and treat others as we would like to be treated Location: Employment Status: Remuneration: Responsible to: Direct reports: Bunjilwarra Hastings 0.8FTE Ongoing Annual salary (SCHCADS Level 5 dependent on qualifications and experience) plus 9.5% Employer superannuation, salary packaging Clinical Lead and Bunjilwarra Leadership Group (BLG) NIL Bunjilwarra the Koori Youth Alcohol & Drug Healing Service, is led by a partnership between the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) and Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS). Bunjilwarra is a 12 bed healing service for Koori young people (male and female) aged between 16 and 25 years. The program is primarily situated in Hastings and operates a 24/7 residential component. Bunjilwarra Values: At Bunjilwarra our values are enacted through our commitment to social justice and human rights, acceptance, respect, professional integrity, quality, harm reduction, empowerment, learning and evolving. As a voluntary program, Bunjilwarra enables: A safe and supportive environment for Koori young people to manage their alcohol and drug issues through active participation in therapeutic & structured programs designed to assist them, to develop their living skills, and to strengthen their cultural identity and spiritual wellbeing. 1
Koori young people to improve their physical, social and emotional wellbeing, and strengthen their connection to family, community and culture through the use of a holistic recovery model which includes individual and group therapy, as well as recreational, educational and vocational activities. Aboriginal young people to develop alternative behaviours and coping strategies, and skills for resilience and reintegrating into the community based on Koori cultural practices and best practice approaches in youth mental health and drug and alcohol. Primary Purpose: The Program plays an integral role in the development and delivery of the Bunjilwarra program. The Program is responsible for the development, implementation, facilitation and continuous review of programs and activities within the Bunjilwarra program model. The Program ensures that the content delivered is of a high quality, evidence based, and appropriate for the young people who attend Bunjilwarra. The Program will oversee and coordinate the daily running of the program, including appointments and visits. Along with oversight of the structured program, the Program provides guidance and leadership in maintaining the therapeutic milieu of the Bunjilwarra program. The Program looks for opportunities for residents to learn and grow through the informal interactions during the day. The Program has a solid understanding of Therapeutic Community principles and practises and is able to intentionally use this framework to assist the personal development of the residents within a group living environment. The Program also works closely with the Clinical Lead and Keyworkers in supporting each resident with their Individual Treatment Plan. The Program occupies a leadership role at Bunjilwarra and is responsible for contributing to the development and support of a high performing team. This may involve supervision of staff members, including seeking out appropriate training opportunities for staff. The Program also co-facilitates (with Clinical Lead) Client Case Reviews and Group Supervision, and supports the Clinical Lead and the Bunjilwarra Leadership Group in developing and facilitating team workshops and planning days. 2
Key Responsibilities Leadership As a member of the Bunjilwarra Leadership Group, be an active leader in the service provision of the Bunjilwarra program model. Lead, and participate, in the strategic review and development of the Bunjilwarra program model. Participate in fortnightly meetings with the Bunjilwarra Leadership Group to review program objectives, discuss program development, and to discuss any areas of concern. Support, guidance and direction is provided to a multidisciplinary staff team. Demonstrated leadership in advancing the development of the Bunjilwarra program model. At all times be a role model for the young people and the staff in relation to professional practice and communication. Acts up in the absence of the Clinical Lead (Rotates with other members of the Bunjilwarra Leadership Group). Program Coordination and Development Provide leadership in the design and development of a high quality, evidence based group work program, that is engaging and appropriate for young people with issues relating to substance misuse and psychosocial complexity. In conjunction with Clinical Lead and Cultural Lead, design a weekly program schedule. Actively coordinate the program schedule each day and ensure it runs on time. Organise daily activities and appointments. This includes: which staff are facilitating groups or going on outings; organising which staff member is taking a resident to an appointment, organise any external activities or appointments in a timely manner. Groups delivered are of a high quality, evidence based, engaging and appropriate for young people. Program schedule and content are regularly reviewed for its appropriateness and effectiveness. Timetable is well planned and runs to schedule each day. 3
Program Coordination and Development (cont) Be flexible and creative in adjusting the program timetable at short notice due to unforeseen events (such as staff away sick, poor weather, serious client incident). Support contracted workers (such as teachers, masseuse, art therapist etc.) and ensure that their group sessions and their practise is in line with the values and aims of YSAS and the Bunjilwarra program. Staff are directed to undertake tasks as required. Activities and appointments are organised in a timely manner. Facilitate regular Bunjilwarra groups such as Morning Meeting, Peer support, Weekend Planning, etc. In conjunction with Clinical Lead, develop and facilitate specialists groups relating to harm minimisation, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, personal wellbeing and life skills. Mentor/coach Bunjilwarra staff in group work development, processes and facilitation. Oversee the design and facilitation of the Bunjilwarra Adventure program. Use groups, such as Community Meeting, to address issues that are impacting on the residents. Residents are actively encouraged to participate in groups. Staff are coached in group facilitation and are given opportunities to be the key facilitator of groups. Therapeutic Community principles are used to support clients in the Bunjilwarra setting. Provide leadership in maintaining a safe therapeutic milieu at Bunjilwarra. 4
Quality Service Provision and Development Support the Clinical Lead and Cultural Lead in oversight across assessment, intake, care planning, and discharge processes. In conjunction with other Bunjilwarra staff, successfully induct new residents. Undertake risk assessments of residents. In conjunction with Clinical Lead and Cultural Lead, address behavioural issues with residents and provide appropriate support and interventions as necessary. Develop management plans when needed. Work collaboratively with the team, and provide leadership, to address serious client issues as they arise. Promote all aspects of the program as being equally important to the residents. New residents are inducted successfully. As needed, risk assessments occur and are documented for all residents; including clear management plans. Program groups and activities are written up with a clear rationale for their purpose. Ensure accurate recording of reports within organisational timelines and procedures. Contribute to the development of innovative, evidence based service responses. Provide written reports in relation to delivery of program areas; this includes writing up proposals for any new programs to be delivered. Staff Management and Wellbeing Assist with the development of a high performance team by ensuring clear communication, involvement in decision making, early management of disagreements and conflicts with staff, and maintaining a positive culture. Attend regular supervision with Bunjilwarra Manager. New staff are successfully inducted into the Bunjilwarra program. Supervision is provided in accordance with YSAS policy. Undertake assigned duties to assist with the recruitment and induction of new staff. Provide regular supervision to selected staff to ensure quality service provision and maintenance of staff wellbeing. Rosters are completed and balanced to support the presenting needs of the Bunjilwarra program. Regular supervision is provided, and appropriate documentation is kept. 5
Staff Management and Wellbeing (cont) In conjunction with the Clinical, facilitate fortnightly Group Supervision for Keyworkers. In conjunction with the Bunjilwarra Manager undertake professional development reviews (PDRs) of staff as needed. When required, assist the Manager to facilitate quarterly meeting and group supervision with the casual staff. Supervision and support to students on placement as required. In conjunction with the Manager, actively coordinate 24 hour/ 7 day a week roster, including the management of staff holidays, timesheets and TIL to ensure an even workload balance across individuals and teams whilst taking into account the best interests of young people. Participate in On-call roster. Stakeholder Relations Ensure family inclusive and family sensitive practice is at the core of care planning and discharge planning for all residents. Establishment and maintenance of inter and intra service linkages and consultative mechanisms, including with statewide and community stakeholders. Lead and/or participation in team, staff and agency meetings and participate in intra/inter agency forums and committees as required or directed including contribution to YSAS strategic directions. Purposeful community and stakeholder relationships are developed and maintained. Local service directory developed. On every occasion YSAS is represented ethically and professionally. 6
Continuous Improvement Contribute to continuous quality improvement in relation to service delivery. Developing linkages with referral services. Participation in evaluation and ongoing monitoring of the program. Include clients in the evaluation of the service where appropriate. Ensure all work complies of the relevant legislation/ regulations, YSAS policies and procedures. Ensure confidentiality of documentation is maintained. Collaborate with other support services and community based activities to integrate support and provide optimal service provision. Professional Conduct and Relationship Management Adhere to all YSAS policies and procedures including the Code of Conduct, Child Safety, Confidentiality Agreement, EEO policy. Demonstrated commitment to YSAS organisational values. Provide highest ethical standards at YSAS; not only to young people in the communities we serve, but to our coworkers and ourselves. On every occasion YSAS is represented ethically and professionally. Good working relationships with stakeholders. Organisational needs understood. Undertake proactive identification and on-going management of stakeholders, including suppliers and auditors. Work collaboratively with staff across the organisation to ensure organisational needs are understood, recognised and responded to, as well as staff are supported in their services. 7
Position Requirements Education Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Youth Work, Psychology, Community Services will be highly regarded and/or significant relevant experience. Experience Strong connection to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria. Knowledge and Skills Personal qualities Other Requirements Senior leadership experience in working with young people in a residential setting highly advantageous. Knowledge of and understanding of the key issues facing young people who misuse substances. Well organised but able to flex and manage competing priorities and deadlines. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as highly developed interpersonal, coaching, and consultative skills. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills and ability to deliver innovative solutions. Good judgment, able to influence others and seen as a credible source of advice. A team player, able to work in a collaborative way. Has tact, sensitivity and diplomacy; ability to think on feet and act proactively with discretion. Commitment to personal learning, development and improvement in pursuit of own performance objectives and those of the team and organisation. Commitment to YSAS & VAHS values and a working style that reflects these. Current Victorian Driver s Licence. Current and ongoing successful National Police check. Current and ongoing Working With Children Check. A current First Aid (Level 2) is desirable. Bunjilwarra is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week residential program. Staff may be required to work after hours as an operational requirement of the role. 8
Key Selection Criteria Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal history and culture, and community as well as an ability to work effectively in a culturally safe manner. Highly developed engagement skills, problem solving and clinical capabilities to ensure all residents participate in and benefit from the Bunjilwarra environment. Ability to provide leadership and support to a multi-disciplinary team to ensure quality service provision (within a residential treatment setting) for young people experiencing health and wellbeing issues associated with problematic alcohol and drug taking. Demonstrated ability to manage the day to day operations of a residential rehabilitation unit, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation such as OHS, Privacy, Statutory requirements and organisational policies. Ability to maintain positive stakeholder relationships and work collaboratively with all stakeholders i.e. young people, families and carers, referring services, government agencies, Aboriginal community services etc. Experience in designing and facilitating groups for young people, and ability and willingness to participate in cultural, recreational and other activities with young people. Demonstrate high level of interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), problem solving and negotiation skills especially with young Aboriginal people and their families. I accept the PD as acknowledged above and understand that the PD will be reviewed as required. I also understand that the PD may need to be amended occasionally due to variations in responsibilities and organisational requirements. Changes to the PD will be consistent with the purpose for which the position was established. SIGNED Program, Bunjilwarra Name: Date: Clinical Lead, Bunjilwarra Name: Date: 9