COUNSELLOR (MH/ATODS) (Ongoing, full time) The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) was established to provide a coordinated and integrated approach to the planning, development and delivery of primary health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations within the South East Qld Region. In conjunction with MATSICHS clinics, IUIH is integrating drug and alcohol and mental health prevention into primary health care service delivery in case management and MH/ATODS counselling. Based at MATSICHS the position will be allocated to any one of MATSICHS clinics or working from Northgate. The position is responsible for providing culturally appropriate clinic and community based counselling in the areas of substance misuse, suicide prevention and mental health, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. This is an exciting opportunity to join an enthusiastic and committed team and make a direct impact to improve health outcomes in the Indigenous community. Competitive Salary Package Base salary will be negotiated with the successful application based on experience. Other benefits include salary sacrifice, motor vehicle allowances and 17.5% annual leave loading. Key Duties Undertake comprehensive assessment of clients mental health and ATODS issues, as well as their wider psycho-social needs and situation, and create individual treatment plans. Provide targeted solutions focused counselling and support to clients; Review client s progress throughout the counselling process, and report on relevant data. Manage a case load of clients with varying needs and identified issues. Key Requirements Qualifications in Counselling or Psychology or Social Work, or Mental Health, with demonstrated counselling experience in the areas of mental health and/or ATODS Demonstrated experience in providing assessment, psychological counseling services to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Ability to work sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people especially working with children and families. Enquiries about the position can be directed to Social Health Senior Practitioner, Natalie Scott by email Natalie.scott@iuih.org.au or phone 07 5428 5800. Applications (Resume and brief covering letter addressing the key requirements above) must be submitted via Seek.com APPLICATIONS CLOSE Monday 04 September 2017 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Position Title Location Reports to Date of Approval Counsellor (Child & Family focus) MATSICHS (may be required to work at either of the Clinic based locations ie Caboolture, Strathpine, Morayfield and/or Deception Bay from time to time, as required) Social Health Care Coordinator June 2017 Our organisation The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd oversees a coordinated/integrated approach to the planning, development and delivery of primary health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations within the South East Qld Region. The IUIH is a lead agency working in partnership with key stakeholders to support the effective implementation of the Council of Australian Governments Closing the Gap initiatives. IUIH established MATSICHS in 2011 as a strategic response to the significant growth and geographic dispersion of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Moreton Bay area. MATSICHS is committed to reducing the disparity in health and well-being experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respect and empower the individual, the family and the community, to foster linkages with our Clinics; Social Health; Home Care Support; Family Wellbeing Services and other IUIH and MATSICHS services. IUIH has integrated drug and alcohol and mental health prevention into primary health care service delivery. Case coordination, mental health and alcohol and other drug counselling staff are established in IUIH member Community Controlled Health Services including the Moreton ATSICHS clinics (Morayfield, Strathpine, Deception Bay and Caboolture) and the Brisbane ATSICHS clinic at Northgate. The primary objective is to deliver community based counselling, support and rehabilitation programs and post-treatment services across the region, in order to effectively reduce mental illness and ATOD misuse and relapse. Our mission and vision We take pride in our reputation for challenging systems towards the goals of better health outcomes and equalities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Our impressive progress to date has only been possible through the passionate commitment and hard work of our team in working towards our vision and mission. Our Vision To reduce the disparity in health and well-being experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in South East Queensland.
Our Mission To ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South East Queensland have access to comprehensive, high quality and timely primary health care services, integrated with the broader health and human services system. As an integral member of MATSICHS, you will be expected to contribute to achieving our Strategic Priorities, in Improving access to Quality Health Care Building and sustaining healthy communities Fostering collaboration and innovation Our Model of Care Your role Within the IUIH Model of Care, we value: Community Recognising that we are here because of those that came before us, and the responsibility of realising the opportunities they created to improve the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of SEQ. Cultural Respect We recognise the cultural diversity, rights, views and values and expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and commit to ensuring they are respected in the delivery of health services in SEQ. A holistic approach Improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health require attention to physical, cultural, emotional and social well-being of individuals and the community as a whole. Excellence We strive to attain the highest standards of service delivery and clinical practice, and contribute to measurable improvements in the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stewardship Cultivating the resources entrusted to us to realise improvements in health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of SEQ. Collaboration Collaboration with and among Community Controlled Health Services and partners is fundamental to realising our vision in SEQ. As a MATSICHS Counsellor, you will provide culturally appropriate community based and clinic based counselling, in the areas of substance misuse and mental health to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients across the North Brisbane region. The role will provide support in the delivery of four key activities; Undertake comprehensive assessment of clients mental health and DATOS issues, as well as their wider psycho-social needs and situation, and create individual treatment plans. Provide targeted solutions focused counselling and support to clients through outreach and community based service delivery; Review client s progress throughout the counselling process, and report on relevant data. Manage a case load of clients with varying needs and identified issues. Planning
Monitor and contribute to the development of clinical practices, outcomes, procedures and protocols within the Substance Misuse Services team and across the service. Develop networks and build community support for promotion and participation in services. Delivery of community interventions and patrols focused on AOD abuse and other health concerns Hands on outreach work with clients and community where there is a gap or specific need Provide evidence based individual and family counseling/support to people with AOD problems. Case Management of the clients social, medical, personal and psychological needs Support client access AOD programs and services. Provide support and advocacy to individuals (and their families) who are experiencing difficulties in regard to alcohol and other drug problems. Refer client to appropriate agency and support networks as necessary, including detox units, housing, shelters, medical centres and rehab as required Provide client transport to other services as required Visit client at home, in hospital, inpatient withdrawal, rehabilitation centres. Attend various agency meetings as required to advocate on behalf of client. Advocate on behalf of the client, when dealing with various systems, community programs, agencies eg. DCP, Justice, hospitals and mental health facilities. Write reports and support letters on behalf of client. Liaise with legal and professional practitioners as required. Transport clients as directed by the Coordinator Service Delivery Delivery of outreach and community based interventions by providing education and culturally appropriate counselling services to clients with identified mental health and/or drug and alcohol problems. This includes comprehensive assessments, treatment planning, interventions and outcome measurement (as well as case management, where appropriate). Assist in the coordination and delivery of services for clients identified with drug and alcohol and/or mental health problems, in accordance with a case management plan and/or team care arrangements. Actively engage the local community and work flexibly in response to client (and family) needs by undertaking outreach services. This could include supporting the client at home, in hospital, inpatient withdrawal, rehabilitation centres and/or in the community. Support client access AOD programs and services and provide support and advocacy to individuals (and their families) who are experiencing
social difficulties in regard to alcohol and other drug problems.refer client to appropriate agency and support networks as necessary, including detox units, housing, shelters, medical centres and rehab Provide client transport to other services Contribute to smooth transitions for clients who are accessing other services (such as Detox etc.), including clients who are transitioning out of the Substance Misuse Service. Work collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, to provide integration and coordination between different programs, to facilitate the delivery of an efficient and responsive drug and alcohol and/or mental health service to clients. Liaise and develop external relationships with external services/agencies to collaboratively address client needs, including working relationships with Centrelink, Department of Corrections, Department of Child Safety etc., and link clients with these services where appropriate. Operational Management Develop and maintain comprehensive client files, which include documentation relating to assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions and outcome measurement. Ensure maintenance and confidentiality of patient health records. Maintain accurate client records, including the collection and collation of statistical information. Participate in the provision and review of best clinical practices, including; o Case conferencing with all relevant parties o Client assessment, treatment planning and therapeutic interventions o Team Meetings o Clinical Review meetings o Use of outcome measures with clients o Development of appropriate support networks Provide regular reports to the Team Coordinator, as required. Self- Management & Team Contribution Participate in local and regional initiatives in the development of the Social Health Program. Maintain confidentiality in line with Code of Conduct, and comply with all Corporate Policies and Procedures. Participate in the performance review process with a commitment to your own self-development (and the development of others) and maintain your own professional competencies and registration (where relevant). Participate in Individual and Peer Supervision, including Clinical Supervision. Contribute to process for continuous quality improvement. Act as a resource to support, mentor and develop other members of the clinic team. Promote and ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Work within a legal and ethical framework.
Develop and Maintain Linkages Work to foster productive relationships with all Clinic, Program and Support staff. Develop relationships and liaise with local service providers to facilitate external assistance for client support services, detoxification and other appropriate client needs. Streamline procedures for seamless client care within the ATSICHS and with external providers. Liaise and network with Queensland Health Mental Health Services, Queensland Health ATODS Services and other service providers within the region. SELECTION CRITERIA KEY REQUIREMENTS Demonstrated ability to work with vulnerable client groups, including an understanding of the holistic needs of clients as individuals, their family and the Community. Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health services and the issues facing these organisations. Demonstrated counselling skills in the areas of mental health and/or ATODS. Knowledge of the mental health and ATODS service system and the range of treatment options available. Demonstrated ability to work as part of an inter-professional team, including knowledge and understanding of the roles and contributions of other professionals. Demonstrated effective verbal and written skills with particular emphasis on interpersonal communication skills, confidentiality and record keeping. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Nursing or Mental Health; and/or A minimum certificate IV in AOD and/or Diploma in Counselling or related field, with relevant practical experience working with vulnerable clients associated with drug and alcohol and mental health conditions. PRACTICAL REQUIREMENTS Travel across South East Queensland will be required with the need for your own reliable transport. Current C Class Drivers Licence (Qld) Current Blue Card (working with children and young people) or willingness to apply for a Blue Card.