ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

Phoebe House was founded in 1984 by a collective of government and non-government practitioners who met regularly at the Bourke Street AOD clinic. One of the groups key focus points was treatment provision for heroin-using mothers. The collection, of whom Dr Edith Collins was a part, approached the then Director General of the Department of Community Services to assist in finding appropriate premises during a time that ward homes were being closed in favour of family group homes. From here, the establishment known as Phoebe House was created.

Nowadays, we aim to provide a safe, supportive environment for an evidence based, alcohol and other drug rehabilitation program focusing on women who may be on opioid treatment and who have full –time or partial access to at least one of their children under five years. Our focus is on the self-determination of residents while embracing a holistic vision that involves their cultural identity, understanding parenting capacity, improving positive community and family engagement and addressing mental health needs and other life skills.

The program provides individual counselling and case management for up to nine women. In addition, we have a fully staffed children’s centre that provides care for up to six children, five days a week. Phoebe House has an in-house, evidence-based group therapy program among other programs.

Phoebe House implements a flexible approach to alcohol and other drug rehabilitation service delivery utilising a Safety Management or ‘harm reduction’ framework.

Our program is an outcomes-based process whereby residents progress through five stages in order to achieve self-identified goals. In order to move through the stages, residents sit with a panel of staff members to discuss achievements made and areas for improvement.

Attractive SCHADS Award Remuneration Package plus superannuation and salary sacrifice offer (dependent on qualifications and experience). Commencement date October/ November 2020. Permanent part time, 4 days a week (Tue-Fri).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Phoebe House considers being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under Section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). This position is only available to women.

Essential Attributes

• Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate III) in Early Childhood Education and Care or related discipline,

• Criminal History Check and Clear Working with Children’s Check,
• Current driver’s licence,
• Demonstrated experience working within a children’s care setting,
• Demonstrated high level verbal and written skills,
• Experience in facilitating groups,
• Ability to work individually and in a multi-disciplinary team,
• Highly developed computer literacy skills.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working in the Alcohol and other Drug field,
• Experience working with DCJ/court mandated clients.

For the full Position Description or further information please contact Kate Dodd via email or at Phoebe House on 02 9005 1570.