AddressWNSW PHN is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply:
Please download the Information Package (including Position Description) from the WNSWPHN website: https://wnswphn.org.au/workwithus
Applications should be submitted via email to **@wnswphn.org.au by 11.59pm 02 June 2024 (do not apply via Seek).
As part of your application, you must provide a separate statement addressing each of the selection criteria as well as your resume. If you do not provide these two documents, your application will automatically not be accepted.
Benefits to working with us:
We pride ourselves on being supportive and flexible and offer a great range of benefits including:
- Generous salary packaging options up to $18,450 per year
- Professional development allowance and leave
- Family friendly and flexible working arrangements (incl hybrid work model)
- Collaboration with passionate likeminded professionals
- 5 weeks annual leave
- Option to purchase an additional 2 weeks leave or cash out 2 weeks
- Additional leave between the Christmas and New Year period
- Corporate Fitness Program (Fitness Passport)
- 6 weeks paid parental leave
- Free Employment Assistance Program
About the role:
Full time maximum term contract to 30 June 2026 (with possibility of further extension)
Location: Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst, Broken Hill or Bourke
Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is currently seeking motivated individuals who have a passion for primary healthcare and community wellbeing.
The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) funds a range of health services and programs to improve access to care and better health for our communities.
The commissioning of Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug (MHAOD) services in the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) regions represents one of the key priorities for the organisation. The Program Officer – MHAOD will provide support to the organisation’s work in transitioning and redesigning funded MHAOD services in the region.
To effectively drive this change, this role will build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure support structures and frameworks are in place to facilitate change. Another focus will be delivering services and building the capacity of providers to work within the MHAOD stepped care model, as well as existing and newly redesigned models of care.
The Program Officer will provide high level project support for the commissioning, implementation and evaluation of MHAOD projects and is responsible for local coordination, development, and delivery of WNSW PHN initiatives Treatment Strategies.
The purpose of the strategies will:
- Address the emerging concern of workforce deficit in Western NSW with a view to create a whole new cohort of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) trained workers giving access to clients who require addiction management and AOD services.
- Improve the capacity and confidence of GPs to refer Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) clients to access treatment including opioid clients, including non-opioid pain management alternatives, opioid withdrawal or reduction strategies and clients requiring prescription management following codeine up-scheduling.
- Increase access to services available primarily though general practice that can help clients, reduce, or withdraw from alcohol and Other Drugs.
The strategies include several areas for development including but not limited to:
- Specific capacity building in alcohol management strategies across General Practice.
- Support the response to Special commissions in the development of new initiatives.
- The development of new approaches for managing alcohol that can allow consumers to engage in treatment closer to home.
- Increased options for indigenous people to heal on country.
- Opioid prescribing reduction activities.
- GP led withdrawal, detoxification, and rehabilitation.
- Support training initiatives for Workforce development.
The position can be based in any one of our offices including, Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst, Broken Hill or Bourke.
If you have any questions about this position after you have read this document, please contact Linda Smith on 0439 404 ***.
Selection Criteria
Essential
- Demonstrated understanding of opportunities and challenges in the Mental Health & AOD sector in the Western NSW region.
- Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal culture including a commitment to cultural awareness and safety.
- Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.
- Extensive demonstrated experience in a project management role with a sound knowledge of contemporary business and project management practices
- Proven capability in financial/budget management and KPI reporting to achieve outcomes under time pressures.
- Proven track record in stakeholder management, including an ability to build relationships and strategic partnerships.
- Capacity to travel within western NSW; hold a current driver’s licence.
Desirable
- Experience in working with Aboriginal people, organisations and communities in view of planning and implementing services and achieving outcomes for Aboriginal people
- Advanced computer skills required for MS Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project Plan development.
- Relevant Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug sector experience particularly in rural and remote areas.
- Degree level qualification in Health, Business, Project Management, or related discipline.
- Well-developed analytical, problem solving and negotiation skills.
- Experience working in the health, NGO or community services sectors
About Western Health Alliance Ltd (WHAL)
trading as Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN)
The Western NSW PHN (WNSW PHN) is one of 31 Primary Health Networks across Australia. We are an independent, not-for-profit organisation funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health, established to support frontline health and wellbeing services. Our focus is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of primary health care, ensuring people receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
WNSW PHN is an agile and high performing organisation that responds to the identified needs of the community, Commonwealth and State health policy, and the development needs of primary health care providers. We work closely with general practice, Aboriginal Medical Services and other health care providers, Local Health Districts, non-government organisations and the broader community to plan and fund programs that support local health services to meet the health needs of our communities.
