Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer

The Position 

Echuca Regional Health (ERH) is committed to improving health equity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander infants, children and families through recognising the fundamental significance of cultural traditions, beliefs and connection to Country as a direct link to health and wellbeing. ERH acknowledges the importance of kinship and family structures as a cohesive force that underpins spiritual connection, cultural safety and self-determination, as critical protective factors for community wellbeing.

The Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer (AHLO) will ensure the provision of culturally safe care by support across the lifespan to ensure improved access to mainstream health services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. In addition, the AHLO will contribute to the delivery of the Aboriginal Cultural Safety Plan and the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan.

Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer 

Department:  Wellbeing and Primary Mental Health Departmnet 

Classification:   As per relevant qualifications and experience 

Hours per fortnight: 80  

Status: Permanent Full Time

Applications are sought from suitably qualified persons to work in the Aboriginal Health Liaison Team at Echuca Regional Health. 

The Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer (AHLO) will ensure the provision of culturally safe care across the lifespan to ensure improved access to mainstream health services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. In addition, the AHLO will contribute to the delivery of the Aboriginal Cultural Safety Plan and will support ERH towards Reconciliation.     

The successful applicant will:  

• Support ERH service by providing culturally sensitive health care and appropriate referrals for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients. 
• Promote a collaborative approach between health services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in the planning and delivery of service responses for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Identify and follow-up all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who present to the ERH Emergency Department, including provision of follow up care to those presenting after hours.
• Assist Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and their families to navigate the healthcare system, both within and external to ERH.
• Participate in both internal and external health networks, stakeholder engagement and partnerships specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Our team requires someone who has:

• Qualification and or knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health factors and a willingness to engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) or further education. 
• Established knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture, society and kinship networks as well as the ability to communicate with, and be accepted by Aboriginal people and communities.   
• Experience in the development of health promoting strategies and programs for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people accessing mainstream and ACCHO healthcare services      

This position requires completion of a satisfactory National Police Check and (where relevant) provision of a Working With Children Check and check on the Disability Worker Exclusion Scheme prior to appointment.  In addition, this position requires evidence of vaccination status for COVID-19.

Employee and family benefits include: 

• Comprehensive learning and development program
• Flexible employment practices
• Salary packaging
• Extended employee assistance program (including support for family members)
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives
• Employee recognition program
• Free onsite parking.

Providing culturally safe care is essential to meet the health care needs of Indigenous Australians effectively. Culturally safe health care includes providing services underpinned by Indigenous Australians’ beliefs and values. Thus, position/s will only be open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants as this will support the provision of culturally appropriate care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients within Echuca Regional Health.

Limiting the filling of this position to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates constitutes a special measure as it is to realise substantive equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in accordance with section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) and section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and section 8(4) of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic).

For further information on the role please refer to the position description.  Applications are to be submitted online.