Position Purpose

Impact Co., along with The Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) (the Project Team) is undertaking a significant research project relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) in the Western New South Wales PHN (PHN) region. This project comes as a result of the PHN’s significant investment into various suicide prevention initiatives that have been designed specifically to support the Indigenous Communities living in the PHN region.

The purpose of the project is to identify and support the implementation of best practice SEWB evaluation tools that can be used by providers delivering suicide prevention initiatives in the region. This work is intended to support the efficacy of commissioned services, ensuring that they are culturally responsive and reflective of best practice in Indigenous suicide prevention activities. This project will be delivered using a trauma-informed approach, which means an understanding of the ongoing impact of colonisation and its impact on social and emotional wellbeing.

The Project Support Officer employed as part of this project will be responsible for coordinating and providing on the ground project administration and coordination support and enable effective engagement with local (including Aboriginal) service providers. The role will provide logistic support and help facilitate relationship building with local Aboriginal communities, and provide assistance with other aspects of the project, particularly when an on the ground presence is needed.

The Project Support Officer will work under the supervision of the Impact Co. Project Manager and Project Lead and in close collaboration with other members of the Project Team and stakeholders from the region. Their role will also include regular consultation with the PHN’s Aboriginal Health Council (AHC) and other community and members when and where relevant.

The role is for a 6-month contract at 0.4 FTE; however, this may be extended if needed. This is open for negotiation with any successful candidate.

Key responsibilities

Organisational commitment

The Project Team (Impact Co. and CBPATSISP) and the PHN are focused on improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living and connected to the region. They recognise Aboriginal people as the original inhabitants of Australia and as the Traditional Custodians of the land. They encourage and promote a culture of diversity within their workforces. To continue to improve the way we work with Aboriginal communities, we encourage the recruitment of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the region to add their voice to achieve health goals and priorities for our communities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Project Deliverables

• Assist in coordinating, facilitating, and supporting various on-the-ground project tasks in collaboration with the Project Manager, Project Lead and other Project Team members. This will include (but will not be limited to), arranging meetings and engaging with local stakeholders where this is necessary to support project deliverables.
• Continue the process of engaging and strengthening relationships with local and state community stakeholders and service providers, to support the engagement and delivery of project deliverables.

Project Coordination

• Assist in developing and organising engagement, consultations, focus groups, and workshops with the local stakeholders and service providers in a timely and structured manner.
• Prepare, collate, and document relevant documentation to support the above engagement activities. This will include, but will not be limited to, consent forms for consultations and information brochures.
• Identify, negotiate, plan, and allocate resources (notably the contracted hours/time) required to successfully complete projects on time and on budget.
• Develop and implement strategies and systems which promote flexibility and timely responses to changing priorities within the program.
• Organise other meetings and consultations as needed, with key stakeholders as required.
• Ensure thorough and accurate information appropriate for the project activity is captured, documented, and provided to the Project Team.
• Communicate via phone, videoconference, and email to internal and external project stakeholders.

Establish and Sustain Effective Partnerships/Collaboration

• Establish and maintain appropriate accountability and communication structures within the project, ensuring the Project Manager and other stakeholders receive updates as needed.
• Model and demonstrate constructive working relationships and information exchange across the Project Team and stakeholders/service providers.
• Manage key stakeholder and service provider involvement, so that the project delivers the required outcomes and are completed within agreed timeframes.

Please refer to the attached PDF for further information on the role and selection criteria.

Do not hesitate to contact Tristan, from Impact Co. should you have any questions about the role and application process.