Palmerston Association – Aboriginal Community Outreach Worker

Our Vision   

To be recognised as a bold and leading addiction, health and wellbeing service that improves lives.

Our Fundamental Purpose

To positively impact the lives of people, families and communities affected by alcohol and other drugs

Our Driving Values

Compassion (Koort-ni), Connection (Moort-ak), Acceptance (Ngala-k Djinang noonook – we see you), Respect (Kunyah), Excellence in Service (Moorditj Kaatadjin).

Diversity Statement

Palmerston is committed to providing excellent service and targeted programs where diversity and inclusivity are recognised and encouraged.  We are passionate about providing culturally safe and inclusive environments and are committed to having teams who reflect and embrace diverse communities.

Purpose

The Aboriginal Community Outreach Worker will deliver a culturally secure alcohol and drug service (AOD) to the community. The role includes outreach services and support to individuals and families struggling with alcohol and other drug issues, working with allied agencies including referrals and shared care. It will complement allied services by providing reciprocal referral pathways, consultation and shared care for Aboriginal people

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Engage and build relationships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community regarding culturally sensitive AOD service provision.
• Develop and maintain partnership activities with relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, such as reciprocal referral arrangements, consultation, training and formal agreements.
• Support Palmerston staff to improve their culturally sensitive practice.
• Provide services and support to individuals and families in different locations (outreach) inclusive of either case management and/or counselling
• Encourage Aboriginal consumer engagement in the service.
• Support the Palmerston counselling staff in providing an appropriate treatment program and response to consumers.
• Support Therapeutic Community assessment team with potential residents, including transportation of residents and first steps at the residential setting.
• Engage with Aboriginal Residents at the therapeutic communities, including Yarning and/or yarning at other sites as directed by the Service Manager.
• Support Palmerston staff by facilitating Therapeutic Community groups.
• Complete referrals & assessments in line with client treatment needs.
• Provide support to other service providers to manage consumers with alcohol and other drug problems through shared case management.
• Develop networks, participate in community projects and provide support to local committees and other community groups.
• Participate in prevention and community development activities as directed.
• Participate in ongoing review and assessment of consumer progress.
• Maintain accurate records including recovery plans, case notes and evaluations.
• Fulfil organisational responsibilities such as attending staff meetings, case conferences, supervision and further training and professional development.
• Be aware of, support and promote occupational health and safety standards.
• Contribute to and promote the implementation of WANADA Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Human Services Standard.
• Other duties as required.

Key Relationships       

• Work collaboratively with branch counsellors, managers and staff including the Manager of Aboriginal Engagement
• Develop and maintain sustainable partnerships with relevant agencies including alcohol and other drug services, mental health service providers, agencies assisting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as well as other relevant allied health professionals and report on it in all progress reports.

About the Jobholder

MANDATORY ELEMENTS FOR ALL PALMERSTON EMPLOYEES

• Right to work in Australia.
• Hold or ability to obtain a national police check.
• Strong alignment to Palmerston Values.
• Committed to working collectively towards Palmerston purpose and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to and promote the implementation of Palmerston’s Standards on Culturally Secure Practice (Alcohol and Other Drug Sector.)
• Ability to display culturally aware behaviours.
• Committed to working in line with WHS.
• Valid Working With children Check (or ability to gain).

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA FOR POSITION

• Aboriginality is a genuine qualification for this position under the Section 50 (d) of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act (1984).
• Tertiary or equivalent or relevant qualifications in social, behavioural or health sciences or equivalent experience (or working towards minimum Certificate IV qualification).
• Strong Aboriginal community-based experience and connection.
• Demonstrated and well-developed assessment and counselling skills.
• Experience in developing and delivering education and training programs.
• Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Knowledge of alcohol and drug issues.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish rapport/connectivity easily between the service and client.

DESIRABLE SELECTION CRITERIA FOR POSITION

• Training and experience in individual and/or family counselling.
• Experience in developing, delivering and evaluating community projects.
• Experience in group counselling and facilitation.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience working with Aboriginal people and families.

Note: A valid driver’s licence and reliable vehicle is essential