Directions Health Services is an innovative non-profit organisation that has been providing specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in the ACT and NSW for more than 40 years. Pathways Murrumbidgee is one of Directions’ programs. It offers a range of community-based services as well as treatment and support services to people impacted by AOD issues in the Murrumbidgee region.

Directions provides a comprehensive suite of holistic AOD, mental health and primary health services that aim to reduce harms experienced by individuals, families and communities and improve overall health and wellbeing. Our Directions’ team includes Counsellors, Social Workers, a Psychologist, Chemists, GPs, Registered Nurses, and a Psychiatrist.

Our capacity to implement innovative services developed in collaboration with our clients, partners, and other stakeholders, enables us to effectively respond to the changing needs of the communities we serve.

About the position

As an Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Worker at Pathways Murrumbidgee, you will work in a multidisciplinary team to provide culturally secure, holistic AOD treatment and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and their communities in the Murrumbidgee region, who are impacted by AOD use, mental health and other co-occurring issues. You will provide person-centred support to clients using a stepped model of care and work with other Directions programs and relevant services to ensure clients receive coordinated and continuous care.

Note: we are seeking someone who identifies as Aboriginal for this role. This is a 0.9 full-time equivalent role.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide holistic assessment, counselling, intensive care coordination, referral, harm minimisation education, health education, group facilitation and support services to assist clients and their family/friends to improve outcomes and reduce harms associated with drug and alcohol use and other co-occurring conditions
• Engage with the Aboriginal communities in the greater Murrumbidgee region and support community education and capacity building activities, as well as Aboriginal communities’ participation in Pathways and other services appropriate for their care
• As part of a team, ensure the services provided by Pathways Murrumbidgee are safe and inclusive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other vulnerable communities
• Promote and contribute to Pathways Murrumbidgee’s continuous quality improvement and safety framework
• Ensure the services provided are safe and inclusive for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), LGBTIQ+ and other vulnerable communities
• Maintain professional standards in relation to service delivery and confidentiality and work in accordance with health and safety guidelines and organisational policies and procedures

After hours work may be required.

Note: Staff delivering services are trained in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness in line with National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Standards for cultural awareness training and/or RACGP cultural awareness education and Cultural Safety training.

What we offer

• A flexible and supportive work environment
• SCHADS Level 4 role plus superannuation, commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience
• Generous salary packaging benefits
• 17½% leave loading
• Professional development and training opportunities

What we would like you to have

• Qualification in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing/Community Services/Mental Health/Counselling/Social Work/Psychology/Nursing/other relevant field
• Cert IV in AOD Work or willingness to obtain
• Experience working in the AOD sector or other health and community services and experience providing case management and counselling to young people, adults and families
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of substance use, mental health problems, associated physical health problems and other comorbidities on clients and family members/friends
• Knowledge of AOD treatment and support options and harm-minimisation strategies
• Sound knowledge of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly within the local community
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a non-judgemental, respectful approach to engaging with clients, community members and staff
• A well organised, proactive attitude to work and an ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a cross-cultural environment
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs and electronic client information management systems
• Willingness to travel regularly within the Bega and surrounding regions

All appointments will be conditional upon identifying as Aboriginal, having suitable rights to work in Australia, a current Driver’s Licence, Working with Children Check, current First Aid and CPR certification and a satisfactory National Police Check.

For further information about the position please refer to the attached Position Description and/or contact Charles Debaecker or Deanna Price-Maxwell – Co-Team Leaders, Pathways Murrumbidgee at [email protected] or [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing Worker - Pathways Murrumbidgee enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Directions is passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and we greatly value diversity in our organisation. We actively encourage applicants from all background and cultures. Research shows that women and other marginalised individuals tend to only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the requirements. If you think you may be a good fit for this position, but don't necessarily meet every requirement, please get in touch. We would love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.