Position Title: Aboriginal Metropolitan Ice Partnership - Pilot Project Coordinator REPORTS TO: Adult (Social and Emotional Wellbeing ) Team Leader EMPLOYMENT: 12 Months Start Date ASAP 3 month qualifying period ACCOUNTABLE TO: Family Counselling Manager DATE: August 2016 Identified position: This position is identified as a designated role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only and is exempt under the Special Measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. DIRECT REPORTS: Nil ORGANISATIONAL VALUES We will be grounded in culture and community needs and foster the principles and values of community-control in everything we do We will always advocate for the health and wellbeing of our community We are committed to providing evidence-based, high quality service We will always be respectful, caring, collaborative and inclusive Our service will be accessible for all members of the community BACKGROUND The Aboriginal Metropolitan ( ice ) Pilot partnership is a new and practical response to assist in addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community needs associated with growing ice related issues, across all metropolitan areas of Melbourne. This project aims to better support Aboriginal individuals and families affected by ice, as well as alcohol and other drugs. The intention of this pilot is to develop strong community linkages supported by AOD-specific clinical expertise to provide an effective and appropriate response. A partnership approach between ACCHO / ACCO and mainstream AOD service providers focuses on assertive outreach, AOD clinical interventions and better access to AOD and Aboriginal services for Aboriginal people with ice, and other AOD issues, and their families. There are three aims of the pilot, they are to: 1. Improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people and families by minimising harm associated with use of methamphetamine (ice), alcohol and other drugs; 2. Build sector capacity to specifically work with the impacts of ice, and alcohol and other drugs on Aboriginal individuals and families; and 3. Provide learnings about approaches and practices that can be embedded into the AOD service system to provide better responses to clients and families affected by ice and alcohol and other drugs.
The main objectives of the pilot are to: 1. Provide intensive Aboriginal culturally responsive support, clinical services, and holistic wrap around care to improve the health and wellbeing of those impacted by ice and AOD issues; 2. Provide education, counseling and support to individuals, families (both individual and group work) and community members to build their capacity and resilience to manage ice and AOD related issues; 3. Build the capacity of mainstream AOD services to provide culturally-responsive care for Aboriginal people; 4. Strengthen the capacity of ACCHO/ACCOs to provide effective treatment and support for ice and AOD issues; 5. Strengthen partnerships and referral pathways between ACCHOs / ACCOs and mainstream AOD services; 6. Develop evidence and best practice around effective approaches and practices; and 7. Contribute to a broader understanding of the patterns of ice and AOD use. Partnership details: Area Partner Agencies Positions Eastern Metropolitan Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Care and Recovery Coordination Position Eastern Health - Turning Point Counsellor Position Alcohol and Drug Centre Consortium North and West Metropolitan (two sites) Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Preston Care and Recovery Coordination Position (Northern) Uniting Care Re-Gen - Odyssey Counsellor Position (Northern) House consortium Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Preston Care and Recovery Coordination Position (Western) Odyssey House - Uniting Care Re- Counsellor Position (Western) Gen consortium Southern Metropolitan Ngwala Willumbong Ltd. Care and Recovery Coordination Position Monash Health - South Eastern Consortium of Alcohol and Drug Agencies Counsellor Position A Steering Committee has been established to guide the implementation and monitoring of the Pilot. Membership comprises a senior representative from each participating service provider, representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and expert organisations. A formative evaluation of the Pilot has recently been completed. The evaluation: examined the quality of implementation and delivery of the pilot, identified areas for improvement, and Provided practical improvement feedback and support to pilot partners. POSITION SCOPE The Coordinator position will be employed at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS). It will have a dedicated full-time focus on supporting the implementation of selected priority recommendations of the Formative Evaluation of the Pilot as outlined below.
The key responsibilities listed below will be equitably undertaken across all four partnership sites. An agreed method of equitable allocation of the coordinator s time to each site will be determined by the Pilot Partner agencies. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES 1. Key responsibilities Support further development of the partnerships Facilitate the completion of a documented model of care for each of the four partnerships, using the framework provided by 360 Edge Consultants. Work with DHHS to finalise and promote implementation of a uniform data collection approach for 2016-17. Identify unmet capacity building needs of partners (ie: the capacity of mainstream AOD services to provide culturally-responsive care for Aboriginal people, and the capacity of ACCHO/ACCOs to provide effective treatment and support for ice and AOD issues), and identify and promote relevant training and development opportunities to address these needs. Support Governance Facilitate the completion of formalised and documented partnership and governance structures for each of the four partnerships. Facilitate the establishment and maintenance of an Operational Management Group, comprising senior management from each partner agency, to meet monthly. Prepare progress reports on the Pilot for the Aboriginal Metropolitan Ice Partnership Pilot Steering Committee according to an agreed format. Support the workforce Support the Pilot workforce (Counsellor and CRC positions) by: o convening monthly meetings, including a focus on peer support; sharing issues, progress, and opportunities; and provision of cultural supervision as required. o identifying training and development needs and identifying and promoting relevant training and development opportunities. Maintain an overview and monitor issues and developments across partnerships Meet regularly (at least monthly) with partners on site to monitor progress and identify issues and opportunities. Promotion of Pilot Work with partner agencies and DHHS to facilitate development of common communications material on the pilot
2. General Duties Maintain details of all telephone contacts and appointments for reporting purposes Work within the bounds of relevant legislation/regulations (e.g. Food Safety Act, Privacy, Occupational Health Safety, etc.) and relevant professional codes Represent VAHS and the project in a professional and ethical manner (Meetings, Conferences, etc.). Network with other mental health and community organizations while promoting VAHS services and educating community about social and emotional wellbeing To understand and promote the philosophy of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Undertake other duties, which are incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonable within the employee s competence and training 3. Mandatory Requirements Observe safe working practices as far as practicable to protect personal safety and the health and safety of others. Comply with the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and all the rules, regulations and relevant Codes of Practice. All employees are required to participate in the continuous improvement at VAHS and are required to understand and perform their responsibilities in relation to quality in their daily work and to ensure compliance with statutory and quality related requirements Participate in ongoing training where relevant and transfer skills To attend and participate in general staff and unit meetings as required Act at all times in a professional manner in accordance with the policies and practices of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Understanding of and Commitment to the Aboriginal community All VAHS employees must comply with the code of conduct as articulated in the VAHS Policies and Procedures Accountabilities and support The Pilot Coordinator will report to the Manger, Family Counselling, Preston Office. Day to day supervision and support will be provided by VAHS. Monthly monitoring and support will be provided by a group comprising management positions from VAHS, a mainstream pilot partner, and DHHS. The Pilot Coordinator will report to the group on progress against an agreed work plan and discuss issues and opportunities arising. The Pilot Coordinator will also provide progress reports on the Pilot to the Aboriginal Metropolitan Ice Partnership Pilot Steering Committee according to an agreed format. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Understanding of and Commitment to the Aboriginal community. Relevant health or community service qualification. Experience in working in Aboriginal organisations or health settings and evidence of strong links with the Victorian Aboriginal community.
Skill and experience in organising and planning to achieve work priorities across the key responsibilities for the position. Skill and experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders. Sound written and verbal communication skills, including ability to handle difficult and sensitive communication. Enthusiasm, commitment and reliability. Commitment to teamwork, including cooperating and working well with others, and showing respect for others feelings and ideas. Understanding of Victoria s alcohol and other drug service system. Knowledge of and demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and occupational health and safety. CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT Salary packaging benefits are available subject to VAHS on-going Fringe Benefits Tax exempt status. Key Performance Indicators (KPI s) will be set on commencement. A three month probation period applies. Annual performance reviews are undertaken. VAHS is a Smoke Free Workplace VAHS staff are required to familiarise themselves with and abide by VAHS Policies, Procedures, including the Code of Conduct. Successful applicants are required to have a current full Victorian driving license (unless otherwise agreed to), undergo a police check and possess a current working with children check. Relevant convictions will be taken into consideration when considering applicants for this position The VAHS offer some programs / services outside of normal business hours. Staff across all VAHS sites may be required to work after hours as an operational requirement of the role if the program / service they work in operates outside of normal business hours. This position is located at the VAHS Preston Office, however the Service reserves the right to vary the location of the position according to the needs of the Service and its clients and any future changes to the Service s area of operation. Travel will be required, particularly across the partnership sites. I have read this document and agree to undertake the duties and responsibilities listed above.
I acknowledge that: This position description is an indication of the duties and responsibilities that I may be required to undertake. Additional or other duties and responsibilities may be allocated to me after discussion/agreement. SIGNED by the EMPLOYEE........./.../... Signature: Name: Date: SIGNED by the MANAGER........./.../... Signature: Name: Date: