• Reports to: Health Program manager
• Hours: 0.4 EFT
• Classification: Level 5 under the SCHCADS Award
• Location: Based at 214-218 Nicholson St Footscray

Organisational Context

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is the largest aid, employment, health and advocacy organisation for people seeking asylum in Australia. The ASRC provides a range of direct services as well as participating in law reform, campaigning and lobbying. 

ASRC Health Program

The ASRC Health Program provides a range of primary health service for people seeking asylum living in the community and prioritises people without access to Medicare. It is a nurse led multi-disciplinary clinic that offers a number of services including general practice, immunisation, psychiatry, pharmacy program, and allied health services. In addition to providing clinical services, the program facilitates activities to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent illness. 

Specific Duties

The Community Health Nurse will bring to the position a strong knowledge of and experience in the Victorian Public Hospital and Community Health sectors and will be responsible for undertaking the following duties:

1. Coordinate the day to day running of the ASRC Health Clinic.
2. Facilitate and coordinate a wide range of health care services for people seeking asylum including triage, assessment, referral and advocacy to appropriate health services.
3. Complete comprehensive health assessments for new clients using standardised assessment tools, initiate diagnostic tests in preparation for follow-up comprehensive health checks.
4. Provide health information and education sessions to clients as required.
5. Contribute to strategic, quality and service planning for ASRC Health Program in collaboration with the Health Program Manager and key stakeholders.
6. Manage the ongoing improvement of systems, processes and evidence informed practices supporting the delivery of the service in collaboration with the Health Program Manager and the Health Team.
7. Ensure clinic compliance with work health and safety policy and procedures.
8. Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with legislative, industrial and organisational policy requirements and standards in the areas of Work Health and Safety.

General Responsibilities

The Community Health Nurse will provide a range of support and assistance to people seeking asylum including coordination of care for clients with multiple and/or complex needs in collaboration with Medical and Allied Health Practitioners and other relevant service providers and will also support the ASRC Program Manager in:

• Working within ASRC Values and Behaviours
• Recruit, train and manage a team of volunteers

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Registered Nurse (Division 1) with current national registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia via Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
• Nursing experience in Community/Public Health Practice.
• Ability to provide culturally sensitive practice to a diverse group of clients from refugee-like backgrounds.
• A sound knowledge of community health principles and demonstrated understanding of the social model of health.
• Familiarity with Community Health Nurse/Refugee Health Nurse Competencies and demonstrated ability to action the competencies.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the health needs of people seeking asylum, including issues surrounding torture and trauma.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a collegial team structure.

Desirable:

• Experience in Health Promotion.
• Knowledge and understanding of Australia’s federal and state government policies towards asylum seekers.

Conditions of Employment

Terms and conditions of employment will be based on the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 or its successor agreements.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.