Position Title Award & Classification Division Reports to Date April 2017 Alcohol & Other Drugs Practitioner - Counsellor Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award: Level 5, pay point on experience The Salvation Army / Southern Territory / State Social Command / Adult Services Network Clinical Coordinator / Program Manager Primary Purpose of the job To provide evidence-based, therapeutic AOD interventions, primarily counselling, to program clients and their families on an individual and group basis in the Inner North & North West catchment areas of Victoria. As service system changes necessitate, provide assessment and initial treatment planning, plus referral as needed, to referred clients of catchment intake services. About the Substance Treatment & Recovery (STAR) program The STAR program sits within The Salvation Army s Adult Services Network, which provides a variety of mostly homelessness-focused programs and services within the north and west of metropolitan Melbourne. STAR is a joint program of The Salvation Army / Adult Services Network (ASN) and St Vincent de Paul / VincentCare Victoria (VCV). The Salvation Army is the lead agency, responsible for acquitting the commitments of the Funding & Service Agreement in all its aspects, and working closely with VCV to coordinate all aspects of the operation. The STAR program is funded by DHHS (Victoria) to provide AOD Counselling and Care & Recovery Coordination services to eligible clients in the Inner North and North West catchments of metropolitan Melbourne. The STAR program also provides services to forensic clients through the Community Offender Advice & Treatment Service (COATS) referral pathway. The STAR program, through its organisational links, provides a comprehensive workplace environment, including the following critical staff support features: clinical supervision, risk management systems, access to counselling (EAP) and debrief, professional development and career advancement opportunities. The AOD Counsellor position is primarily charged with providing recognised, evidence-based therapeutic interventions to eligible, referred persons with problematic substance use issues. Ancillary to counselling, interventions may also include the provision of other supports, such as information & advice, referral to specific agencies, advocacy, and post-treatment follow up. o AOD Counsellors should be able to demonstrate clinical skills of intervention such as history taking, case formulation, intervention planning, delivery and evaluation. They should have knowledge of solution focused work for standard sessions (4 sessions) and knowledge of long term interventions of complex sessions (15 sessions). The AOD Counsellor will also, as demand dictates, provide individuals with other associated, recognised AOD activities, such as o o the provision of brief interventions and AOD screening to persons presenting in need, who may not necessarily be clients of the program the provision of a comprehensive assessment and initial treatment plan. Title: STAR AOD Counsellor PD Review Due: April 2018 Page 1 of 8
About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army (TSA) International Mission Statement The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in His name without discrimination. The Salvation Army Australia One s Mission and Values Mission: Caring for People, Creating Faith Pathways, Building Healthy Communities, Working for Justice Values: Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, Collaboration Expected Outcomes Ongoing assessment is made of the client s issues, needs and circumstances from initial intake to exit. Individual case plans are developed in collaboration with clients and include a range of interventions that address the needs or goals of clients. Case plans are implemented with active client participation. Clients, where needed, are assisted through advocacy with service providers. Progress and outcomes of individual case plans are regularly monitored and reviewed and where needed action is taken to ensure the plan continues to meet client needs or goals. Accurate, up to date client records and data is maintained for all clients in accordance with TSA standards, program criteria, and procedures using TSA information systems. Risks to clients, staff and TSA are identified and bought to the attention of the Clinical Coordinator as soon as possible. Service gaps are identified and recommendations for service delivery improvements are made to the Clinical Coordinator. Scope The STAR program holds responsibility to acquit about one-quarter of state government funded AOD business in the Inner North metropolitan catchment (LGAs of City of Melbourne, Yarra, Moonee Valley, and Moreland), and one-third of the same across the North West metropolitan catchment (LGAs of Hume, Brimbank, Maribyrnong, and Melton). The business model accounts for activity using Drug Treatment activity Units (DTAUs), rather than episodes of care, and specific levels of DTAUs are accounted for per course of treatment of Care & Recovery Coordination and standard or complex Counselling, further weighted for forensic and ATSI clients. DTAUs are also expended through the provision of screening, brief interventions, bridging support, group work, and comprehensive assessment. Program target modelling, therefore, cannot be based on number of clients, but acquittal of DTAUs. Position target modelling currently uses indicative hours in direct client service provision as its measure. The target for this position is set at acquitting a minimum of 250 DTAUs per annum. Qualifications and Experience Diploma in Community Services (AOD), prefer undergraduate in relevant field If foundational qualifications not in AOD, Certificate IV or Minimum Qualifications Skill Set in AOD work, as per the DHHS Minimum Qualifications Strategy (or able to complete within the first 12 months of employment) Competencies in dual diagnosis (or able to complete within the first 24 months of employment) Title: STAR AOD Counsellor PD Review Due: April 2018 Page 2 of 8
Capabilities Specialist Competencies Sector knowledge Foundational Theory & Practice Models of Intervention Core Technical Skills - Demonstrates knowledge of AOD sector including role, context, principles, philosophies, policies, regulations and legislation - Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the impacts of addiction upon individuals, couples, families and wider communities - Demonstrates knowledge of AOD types and effects - Undertakes appropriate care and support for clients under the influence of AOD to address immediate need - Understands and addresses the needs of dual diagnosis clients - Understands and applies evidence-based, recognised AOD interventions, treatment matching to the individual; situates interventions within the framework The Salvation Army s Community Integration Model [http://www.sarmy.org.au/global/sarmy/social/econnect/issue%2072/aodstrat egy2013-2016-web.pdf] - Demonstrates knowledge and practice of the theory and practice of therapeutic and/or educative counselling and strategies that are appropriate and responsive to client needs - Demonstrates knowledge of solution focused work for standard sessions (4 sessions) and knowledge of long term interventions of complex sessions (15 sessions) - Provides counselling to individuals, couples, families, and groups - Ability to facilitate quality group sessions (therapeutic, educational etc) - Demonstrates clinical skills of intervention such as history taking, case formulation, intervention planning, delivery and evaluation - Documents the rationale, approach and efficacy of interventions as per TSA and program procedures and processes - Uses supervision and peer discussion / clinical review opportunities to problem-solve and capacity-build the case plan, where the treatment approach is not working as expected - Knowledge of crisis intervention theories and approaches - Uses appropriate strategies to deal with challenging or high-risk situations, including suicidal behaviour, reaction to trauma, overdose, threatening behaviour, psychotic behaviour - Demonstrates knowledge of the theoretical frameworks and practice applications that underpin Trauma Informed Practice - When indicated, applies standard DHHS AOD tools to AOD presentations (screen, assessment, optional assessment modules, review tool) - From the comprehensive assessment process, generates an Initial Treatment Plan Personal Attributes Collaborative Resilient Outcome focused Client Focused Treats other with dignity & respect; Encourages and cooperates with others to achieve common goals; Inspires trust and confidence Remains calm, focused and maintains perspective when faced with change, crisis and difficulty; Does not give up or get disheartened when faced with obstacles Aims for optimum outcomes; Sets a clear path/goals and manages time to achieve key outcomes; is proactive and self-motivated Committed to and acts for well-being of internal and external clients; ensures needs of service users remain key focus Title: STAR AOD Counsellor PD Review Due: April 2018 Page 3 of 8
Inclusive Respects differences in all its forms; recognises the rights of others; is non judgemental Job Competencies Service Delivery Interpersonal dynamics and communication Administration Team dynamics Continuous Improvement Looks for ways to exceed service user expectations; Respects boundaries and limits of own role and capabilities; advocates and negotiates effectively for service users Regulates own behaviour; Listens actively; Speaks with courtesy; adapts style to audience Completes accurate reports, logs, case notes and files; Uses technology and software applications effectively in accordance with task requirements Engages and contributes to team activities including discussions; contributes to team spirit Contributes to evidence based practice; reflects on practice; identifies opportunities for improvement; acts to implement improvement Requirements of the role An Australian national police record check is required A current and valid Working with Children Check A current Australian Drivers licence Signatures Employee Name: Signature Date Manager Name: Signature Date Title: STAR AOD Counsellor PD Review Due: April 2018 Page 4 of 8
CONFIDENTIAL APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT With The Salvation Army (Victoria) Property Trust ADULT SERVICES P.O. Box 506 NORTH MELBOURNE 3051 (To be completed in addition to your letter and resume) Position(s) applied for.date / / Personal Particulars.Date / /.. Family Name Given Name. Address....... Postcode... Contact Phone Number.... Title: STAR AOD Counsellor PD Review Due: April 2018 Page 5 of 8
Medical History: Do you have any medical history or physical condition which may affect your performance of the inherent requirements of the position you are applying for? (please tick one box) YES NO If you answered yes please provide details:.... (add further sheets if necessary) General Information: Have you ever worked or volunteered your services for The Salvation Army prior to this application. YES NO If yes please provide details:...... Are you able to legally work in Australia. YES NO Do you agree to The Salvation Army making contact with your previous employers? YES NO If you answered No, please explain why:. Are you able to provide details of referees that we may contact to discuss your application? YES NO 1. Name.... Position... Telephone No.... 2. Name... Position... Telephone No.... 3. Name... Position... Telephone No.... Title: STAR AOD Counsellor PD Review Due: April 2018 Page 6 of 8
Declarations by the Applicant: 1. I understand that as part of the application procedure I may be required to undergo an examination of my physical, emotional and psychological health by a nominated health professional. If such an examination is required, I authorise disclosure of the results of this examination to The Salvation Army Adult Services senior management. 2. I understand that my appointment will be made subject to a satisfactory police check. I consent to a police check being carried out and the resulting information being made available to The Salvation Army. In the event of my application being successful, the Department of Human Services will be notified of any disclosable criminal records as per Departmental guidelines. 3. I understand and agree that if I become an employee of The Salvation Army - a. further personal information may be required for personnel records. b. I will be required to maintain confidentiality, and not disclose to any unauthorised person during my employment, or at any time thereafter, any information confidential to The Salvation Army. c. I must comply with all reasonable directions and the policies and procedures of The Salvation Army with respect to occupational health and safety and with respect to security. d. All intellectual property originated by me in the course of, or arising out of my employment including all inventions, designs, technology, developments or improvements to equipment and the copyright worldwide in all software, literary and artworks, will be the property of The Salvation Army and I shall, when requested do all things necessary to secure and protect the organisation s ownership rights. e. I will not copy, reproduce, make available to any other party or in any way use except in the course of my employment, any written material or computer software to which I have access by reason of my employment unless the written consent of The Salvation Army is first obtained. Signature of Applicant Date. Title: STAR AOD Counsellor PD Review Due: April 2018 Page 7 of 8
THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT The Salvation Army, an international movement is an evangelical branch of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible, its ministry motivated by love for God. This mission is both spiritual and practical encompassing the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ and alleviating human suffering and distress without discrimination. Title: STAR AOD Counsellor PD Review Due: April 2018 Page 8 of 8