Aboriginal Wellbeing Support Worker

Nunkuwarrin Yunti, the foremost Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in Adelaide aims to promote and deliver improvement in the health and wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families in the greater metropolitan areas of Adelaide and regional areas to advance their social, cultural and economic status. The Organisation places a strong focus on a client centered approach to the delivery of services and a collaborative working culture to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.

Nunkuwarrin Yunti is a Child Safe Organisation.

A key role of the position is to draw on lived experience to build connection and positive relationships with individuals and their families/carers to support client engagement, motivation, empowerment and education at all stages of a treatment journey. The Aboriginal Wellbeing Worker is vital in assisting clients to engage in the program, share their story, cultural understanding and to provide advocacy to access the right service.

Under close direction from the Team Manager, Harm Minimisation the primary role of the Aboriginal Wellbeing Worker is and not limited to:

• Engage with clients, their families and carers to encourage engagement in the Harm Minimisation Program and other services.
• Provide motivation, empowerment and access to information to encourage positive behavioural change.
• Demonstrate positive role modelling to clients and the community.
• Provide assessment and referrals to a variety of services, for example drug treatment, health, legal and social services.
• Work closely with program staff and provide practical assistance and culturally safe support to clients to achieve their short and long-term goals.
• Work within appropriate boundaries and draw on knowledge and expertise gained through lived experience.
• Support the implementation and delivery of relapse prevention/mutual aid groups and provide direct support to clients who attend the group.
• Distribute sterile needles and syringes, disposable equipment and other related equipment both onsite and outreach

ESSENTIAL – includes qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge

• Minimum qualification of certificate III in relevant health field consistent with the position and/or studying towards such qualifications and/or minimum of one year demonstrated experience.
• Past lived experience with alcohol and other drugs and ability to share this with others in a positive and professional manner.
• Demonstrated understanding, knowledge and experience of social, health and cultural issues effective the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Adelaide and the greater metropolitan region.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and be able to work in a manner which takes into account community and kinship systems.
• Ability to use initiative and work directly with clients in a highly challenging environment in clinical and outreach sites.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with clients
• Self-confidence and the ability to work without direct supervision, exercising tact and confidentiality as required.
• Ability to maintain high levels of work standards and deliver services within the resources of the program which support clients in a sensitive and non-judgemental manner.
• Ability to work well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

DESIRABLE

• Relevant experience and confidence working in the health care sector, especially with clients who have complex health and social needs.
• Accredited training in drug and alcohol related management and/or counselling would be highly desirable.