• National charity
• Work with people and dogs
• Contribute to new and innovative programs

ABOUT THE ROLE

This position is primarily responsible for the successful coordination and implementation of Delta’s Collaborative Animal Assisted Therapy (C-AAT) pilot program in the Newcastle region. This pilot has a focus on mental health interventions for older Australians living in or transitioning to residential aged care facilities.

You will be responsible for:

1. Managing and supporting our program delivery teams, which include volunteer Therapy Dog Teams and mental health clinicians, through:
   • recruitment, selection and on-boarding of volunteers
   • supporting the administration and logistics of volunteer and mental health clinician training
   • placement / rostering of Therapy Dog Teams
   • being available to support logistical and delivery challenges to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of our programs
   • facilitating strong communities of practice which include leading practice reviews / debriefing
   • building your own knowledge of animal assisted interventions through access to training and resources (provided)
2. Building relationships and managing our key stakeholders, including:
   • maintaining a strong working relationship with the HNE Local Health District – the clinical partner for the pilot
   • engaging facilities in the region wanting to introduce animal therapy programs
   • relationship management required to support and retain facilities
3. Managing the delivery of the pilot to achieve positive outcomes and meet the service targets set by the funding body through:
   • identification and documentation of opportunities for continuous improvement
   • submission of regular reports to demonstrate your achievements against your KPIs
   • supporting program reporting and data collection
   • managing the program budget
   • managing program administration, including waitlist management, database maintenance, compliances, and contract management
4. Supporting other Delta programs in the region – including the Therapy Dogs program and Classroom Canines program

Location: Travel required across the Newcastle region to work with clinicians and volunteers as they deliver the programs in the region. Some travel within the Central Coast will also be required as we look to expand the project. Travel to central Sydney will be required approx. once a month to attend staff meetings.

Equipment requirements: Own vehicle required, however travel allowance is payable. Laptop and phone will be supplied.

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours/week contract position till 30 June 2023 (potential for on-going contract if project funding is renewed by the funder for 2023-2025).

Remuneration: $71,177pa + superannuation + opportunity to salary sacrifice.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for people orientated, results driven, passionate individuals, with strong relationship management and program coordination skills, to join the team at Delta Therapy Dogs. A desire to specialise in the Animal Assisted Interventions field is crucial.

Key Essential Criteria for the role:

(All of the following criteria must be addressed in your application)

• Proven to be a results oriented self-starter who enjoys achieving targets;
• A capacity to work flexibly to respond to and support the needs of our busy clinicians and volunteers;
• Experience working for or with health or community services such as hospitals, aged care, disability or mental health services etc.;
• An ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders;
• Confidence to lead a multidisciplinary team;
• Well developed influencing, liaison, negotiation and problem solving skills; and
• A love for dogs and animals, a passion for our mission and a commitment to positive reinforcement methods of animal training.

Desirable Criteria:

(Relevant criteria should be addressed in your application)

• Tertiary qualifications in mental health, other general or allied health, social sciences, NFP/Social Enterprise Management or volunteer management;
• Industry experience working in a for-purpose organisation (aka NGO, NFP or charity);
• Proven experience as a Volunteer Coordinator, or similar experience coordinating diverse stakeholders;
• Experience working alongside or as a volunteer yourself; and/or
• Experience coordinating or delivering Animal Assisted Interventions.

Please note that as you will be required to be on site in aged care facilities, hospitals and other health and community service organisations, you must be willing to comply with their immunisation requirements – which at minimum will include COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Delta Therapy Dogs is a national for-purpose organisation whose mission is to help animals bring joy to people. Delta’s work focuses on bringing the social, physical and emotional benefits of therapy animals to people who need it most. Teams visit sick children and adults in hospitals, residents in aged care facilities, rehabilitation centres, prisons and any other facilities where building connection with a therapy animal can enhance quality of life.

Delta Therapy Dogs is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people.

Our organisation is committed to protecting vulnerable people – including but not limited to children, young people and vulnerable adults – from harm. We require all applicants to undergo screening processes prior to appointment, including a National Police Check.

We value integrity, a purpose focus, accountability and supportiveness.

To read more visit: www.deltatherapydogs.org.au.

APPLYING FOR THIS ROLE

Click Apply Now and follow the instructions.

All applications must be submitted ASAP – applications will be assessed as they are received.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you would like to discuss the position of Programs Coordinator please contact:

Kate Kyiet

General Manager – Programs

Delta Therapy Dogs

T: 0423 359 557

E: [email protected] using the subject line: Programs Coordinator - Hunter enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.