Coordinator, Palliative Care

Our Purpose

Western Queensland PHN (WQPHN) is one of seven Primary Health Networks across Queensland, and 31 nationally funded by the Australian Government, which has a supportive, innovative and collaborative organisational culture. 

Our goal is to improve the integration of primary care services to create seamless health care in our shared communities across almost one million square kilometres of Western Queensland.

WQPHN is a commissioner of health services who works closely with all health service providers across the region to identify where there are gaps in primary health care, and commissioning local providers to cost-effectively provide those services, building a sustainable and integrated system that places the patient at the centre of care.

The Role 

The purpose of this role is to increase awareness of and facilitate access to safe quality palliative and end of life care at home. By linking education and training resources through Palliative Care projects, this role will collaborate with all levels of health networks and communities in the Western Queensland region across our region.

This role also:

• Establish quantitative and qualitative data collection and outcome measurement mechanisms, including baseline data. Contribute and provide data and information for the national evaluation, improving coordination between health services. 
• Develop a system to allow for early referrals to Palliative Care. 
• Strengthen community support for families and carers whilst providing resources for local communities to work with Palliative Care providers. 
• Work with Hospital and Health Services and non-government providers to support the provision of home-based Palliative Care. 
• Establish communities of practice, including all sectors of the region, whilst creating outcomes that enhance the standard of Palliative Care in Western Queensland. This will include linking and drawing upon regional education and training, and available via National Palliative Care Projects. Local and state government networks will be included to ensure this project maps services in the WQPHN region. 
• Collaborate with the Strategy, Planning & Performance team to ensure all activities support WQPHN’s commissioning model, data requirements, and the Activity Work Plan (AWP) to collaboratively build capacity and meet the identified complex needs of the local communities, thus contributing to our vision. 
• Provide regular updates on key achievements, challenges or potential risks and issues, particularly concerning contract performance, service delivery and regional workforce management. 
• Ensure that contracted service providers operate by evidence-based practice and professional clinical standards, including appropriate clinical supervision and client engagement by the relevant standard, e.g. National Standards for Mental Health. 
• Contribute to service integration initiatives such as improving access for target groups, Closing the Gap, integrated care models, case management of complex chronic conditions, prevention and early intervention strategies.

The Right Person 

The successful candidate will have experience in a similar role, with an understanding of Palliative Care concepts and practice, and multidisciplinary education and training methods.

You have a high-level understanding of the health, social and emotional well-being needs of regional, remote and rural communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples with the ability to engage a range of communities and community leaders.

You possess high-level communication and relationship building skills, with the ability to consult, negotiate and resolve issues and build a trusted network within local communities, vital in ensuring effective delivery and reach of targeted initiatives. Willing to travel within the Western Queensland region for work, you hold a driver's licence, unrestricted for work purposes.

If you have a passion for contributing to improved access to quality end of life care at home, then this may be the role for you.

Our Working Environment

Ideally, this critical contract position will be based within the WQPHN region in Longreach, Mount Isa, Winton or Roma; however, applicants are welcome to apply from across the state. Regular travel will be required across the WQPHN patch to successfully perform this role, and hybrid work-from-home arrangements also apply. 

The remuneration package includes attractive tax-exempt salary packaging options and a regional allowance for those residing within the Western Queensland region.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation 

WQPHN is committed to undertaking all work within a culturally inclusive, sensitive and safe framework that supports Reconciliation. The WQPHN Reconciliation Action Plan shows our commitment and dedication to embedding reconciliation initiatives into our everyday work.

Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged for all WQPHN positions.

How to Apply 

For the full position description containing the minimum qualifications and competencies for this role, please visit our website:  www.wqphn.com.au/careers

Expressions of interest and applications are to be accompanied by a cover letter explaining your candidacy for the role together with your resume detailing your work history, key achievements, qualifications and references to **@wqphn.com.au

Applications close 9am Monday 26 February 2024.