WHAT WE DO

Orana Haven is a leading provider of drug and alcohol services for Aboriginal people in Western NSW. It runs an established Residential Rehabilitation Centre for males near Brewarrina that is currently expanding to include women and couples. In addition, Orana Haven runs the Weigelli & Orana Haven Hub Project that provides an AOD outreach service in Bourke, Walgett and Parkes. It is also establishing a remote outpatient withdrawal program for Aboriginal people living in Western NSW.

Bourke Aboriginal Health Service (BAHS) is a long-standing provider of primary health care initiated and operated by the local Aboriginal Bourke community. BAHS aims to deliver holistic, comprehensive and culturally appropriate health care with a whole-of-life view that focuses not just on the physical wellbeing of an individual but the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community.

ABOUT THE BOURKE AOD CASE MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT SERVICE

Orana Haven is collaborating with BAHS to develop and implement a new drug and alcohol program in Bourke, the Bourke AOD Case Management & Support Service. This service combines the local primary health focus of BAHS with the specialist AOD skills of Orana Haven to provide an integrated service that addresses the AOD needs and issues of the Bourke community. It will provide high quality engagement, assessment, treatment and support services for Aboriginal people with addiction issues in Bourke and surrounding areas. It will also include specialist psychological support for AOD and mental health issues. The service will work closely with the Weigelli & Orana Haven Hub Project in Bourke. This program is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).

THE ROLE

The Senior AOD Case Worker will take a major role in establishing and delivering the Bourke AOD Case Management & Support Service. This is a full-time fixed term position until June 2022 with possibility of extension. It involves working at a grass-roots level with the local community as well as leaders working in the AOD Aboriginal sector in Western NSW. The position will have access to regular clinical supervision and training provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Bila Muuji. Note that this is an Identified Position under Section 14 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Responsibilities of the position include:

• Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day running of the Bourke AOD Case Management & Support Service including administrative functions;
• Set up a unique, comprehensive and culturally-responsive drug and alcohol program in Bourke that consults with and meets the specific needs of the community;
• Create, supervise and lead a supportive and collaborative team environment as the program expands;
• Provide regular AOD case management support to individuals and their families including collaborative client-focused care plans;
• Engage and work with clients from Bourke and surrounding areas using different methods of communication (phone, video, face-to-face);
• Set up a local culturally-focused intake process to engage and assess new clients;
• Provide counselling, education, relapse prevention and other AOD techniques;
• Coordinate client referrals and referral pathways to appropriate services for drug and alcohol problems including detox and rehab programs, hospital, specialists, GPs and wrap-around support services as part of a stepped care approach to AOD that links clients to different intensity services depending upon need;
• Enhance the capacity of individuals and families to reduce harms associated with misuse of AOD, mental illness and related determinants of Aboriginal health through advocacy, psychoeducation, health promotion, prevention and other early intervention strategies;
• Actively participate in and/or facilitate clinical team meetings, case reviews, interagency meetings, shared care planning and community events with the Bourke Hub Project, other agencies and colleagues;
• Set up and maintain accurate computerised database records on Communicare including client case notes, KPI’s for the funding body and outcome evaluation measures;
• Prepare regular reports and feedback for the funding body and management team;
• Participate in team meetings, professional supervision, clinical supervision and training as requested;
• Other related duties as required.

Responsible to: CEO, Orana Haven Aboriginal Corporation

SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Minimum tertiary qualifications in AOD, Mental Health, Social Work, Psychology or related field;
2. Previous work experience in clinical drug and alcohol service delivery, preferably in rural/remote communities;
3. Knowledge and understanding of the social and emotional well-being needs and issues of Aboriginal people and ability to communicate sensitively with Aboriginal people;
4. Demonstrated staff supervisory experience and ability to coordinate a team;
5. Demonstrated experience in assessment and case planning, including clients with complex needs (e.g. co-occurring drug and alcohol issues along with homelessness, mental health, contact with criminal justice system, family violence);
6. Strong client-centred approach and ability to work closely with families and the community;
7. Knowledge of and ability to liaise with a range of health and community stakeholders, including both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal services;
8. Ability to organise and evaluate programs and activities;
9. Computer literacy skills including experience recording client data in computerised databases and ability to produce professional documents and report;
10. Well-developed oral and written communication skills;
11. Demonstrated ability to work in a professional, independent and non-judgmental manner;
12. A current Drivers Licence.

We offer flexible work conditions and excellent learning opportunities as part of a team making a difference to remote Aboriginal communities in Western NSW.

Prior to an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to complete the pre-employment checks including reference checks, a Police Check and Working With Children Check.

If you have questions about this role, please contact Alan Bennett on 02 6874 4983 or Julie Hando on 0428 693 456 or email [email protected].