Jobs: Project Officer – Western Australia

The Western Australian Substance Users Association (WASUA) is a state-wide, community based organization that aims to improve the health and social circumstances of people who use drugs (PWUD) in WA.

WASUA is staffed and governed by people who have had personal experience of substance use and /or people who have an interest in substance use issues and support WASUA’s practice and principles.

The Overdose Prevention and Management Program (OPAM) and Peer-administered Naloxone Project aim to reduce the incidence of death and morbidity associated with opioid overdose (OD).

They work to educate community members and to increase awareness of risk factors and knowledge of prevention and management strategies appropriate to OD.

Duties include recruiting, training and supporting a small team of volunteer peer educators and delivering training to, and supporting, people who use drugs, their families and significant others to develop skills, including; recognising an overdose and responding as a first aider, basic life support, and how and when to administer naloxone.

 

Job tasks and responsibilities;

  • Support the recruitment and training of volunteer peer educators,
  • Facilitate accurate record keeping and ongoing supervision of peer volunteer activities,
  • Organise and facilitate the provision of Naloxone training events as per the service contract,
  • Participate as a productive team member.

 

Further details can be found here;

https://www.seek.com.au/job/31662309?pos=1&ref=beta&tier=no_tier&type=standard&userqueryid=51562be740feeff031a0f56ca49a4e5f-2268423&whereid=3107

Jobs – Clinical Director, South Austraila

Clinical Director, Drug & Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA)

 DASSA is looking for an esteemed medical consultant with superior skills and experience in addiction medicine to fill the role of Clinical Director. An individual with well-developed networks in the alcohol and drug field including links to academic institutions and a track record of published research would be well regarded.

While reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, System Performance and Service Delivery, SA Health, the appointee will work in partnership with the State Director, DASSA, on a day to day basis.  This role will contribute to the achievement of relevant key performance indicators and strategic and operational deliverables for government operated alcohol and other drug treatment services for South Australia. Operationally, the Clinical Director will be responsible for the overall management and operation of clinical services and infrastructure across DASSA, including inpatient and outpatient services.

It is essential that the Clinical Director has a high level of knowledge of state, national and international drug policy and an understanding of the legislation and the structural mechanisms, which impact on drug related harm in South Australia. The position will also provide significant state-wide clinical leadership, particularly with the ongoing implementation of the DASSA model of care.

Highly developed communication skills with an exceptional degree of initiative with proven ability to develop innovative solutions to organisational issues and operational practices is required. Proven ability and experience in public speaking and media communication skills are also key to the success of this role.

DASSA has a well-established clinical governance framework and this role is the clinical lead and Chair of the DASSA Clinical Executive Committee.  Importantly, DASSA maintains a high level of transparency and accountability to internal and external stakeholders. The Clinical Director is an ex-officio member of the Community Advisory Council, a strategic committee for clients, carers and community to participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of DASSA programs and broader policy.

Through providing advice to the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse and membership on the SA Health Safety and Quality Strategic Governance Committee, the Clinical Director has a significant opportunity to provide high level advice and influence to ensure drug and alcohol policy service delivery initiatives are appropriately prioritised.

Since 2003, DASSA has worked with the University of Adelaide to operate the DASSA World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Research in the Treatment of Drug and Alcohol Problems. The Centre has developed project and research based collaborations with many overseas organisations interested in evidence based treatment. In addition, the Centre provides valued support to the Cochrane Collaborative Review Group on Drugs and Alcohol. Up to 0.3 FTE of the Clinical Director role can be dedicated to further the achievements of the Centre.

Employment Terms: A competitive salary and flexible on-boarding arrangement including relocation and accommodation support will be negotiated with the successful candidate. In addition, from October 2016, there will be the option for this role to undertake private practice arrangements.

 For a confidential discussion, please contact Principal Search Consultant, Chris Thorburn
m: +61 (0) 407 620 918 e: cthorburn@hardygroupintl.com.

To obtain selection documentation please email thawksford@hardygroupintl.com quoting Ref No. H16_2320.

Applications Close: Friday 29th July 2016

Upcoming Indigenous Health Conferences

Via Indigenous Conference Services:

Listed below are the conferences for 2016 and 2017.  calling for papers & are now open and sought for  Please submit your entry online.

Exciting upcoming 2016-2017 Conferences

  • National Indigenous Justice Conference
  • National Indigenous Board of Director’s Conference
  • Global Indigenous Domestic Violence Conference
  • International Indigenous Men’s Conference
  • International Indigenous Women’s Conference
  • International Indigenous Allied Health &  Chronic Diseases Conference
  • National Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Worker’s Conference
  • National Indigenous Aged Care Conference
  • National Indigenous Drug & Alcohol Conference
  • National Indigenous Children’s Conference
  • National Stolen Generation Bringing Them Home Conference
  • National Mental Health Conference
  • Save Our Mob, Stop the Closure of Our Communities Conference
  • National Indigenous Justice Conference

MEDIA RELEASE: Indigenous Conference Services (ICS Australia) proudly unveils this year’s successful papers for its 2016 World Indigenous Women’s Conference scheduled for the 12th – 14th September this year at the Stamford Beach Hotel Glenelg Adelaide in South Australia. More than 50 percent of the submitted papers accepted were from grassroots community organizations which clearly indicates the strong interests and dedication of community organizations and service providers working together to improve Indigenous women’s wellbeing.

Among our international First Nations keynote speakers are Metis activists and human rights advocates, MURIEL STANLEY VENNE and daughter, RACHELLE VENNE who founded the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW) in 1995 and has worked tirelessly to defend the interests and rights of Aboriginal women, children and family. Muriel is a member of the Order of Canada (2007), received various national awards and named one of the 50 most influential people in Alberta Venture magazine (2006.)

Similarly, DR. NINA SIVERTSEN is an international Indigenous Sea-Sámi Nurse from Northern Norway and works as a lecturer within the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Flinders University. Her work focuses on women’s empowerment and leadership. With her PhD about Indigenous identity and historical biography of a travelling midwife from the arctic wilderness, she aims to contribute to the growing literature of Indigenous research by Indigenous researchers in a global context.

HON. LINDA BURNEY is one of the national keynote speakers. Linda is of Wiradjuri descent, grew up in a small farming community near Leeton and is one of the ‘Stolen Generations’ of Aboriginal children. Since her election for Canterbury 2003, she has been a member of the Parliamentary Committee for Children and Young People 2003-04 and the Legislation Review Committee in 2004.

In addition to the featured speakers and after due deliberation, the following presenters and their respective papers had been accepted for presentation during the 2016 World Indigenous Women’s Conference:

REGINA RICHARDSON is a proud Yamatji woman of the Amangu group in the mid-west region of Western Australia. She is also an Amangu Native Title Working Group member. Regina currently works at the Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre as a mentor to a group of Aboriginal women.

SUSAN MOYLAN-COOMBS is the Founder & Director of Leader for Change and leads the projects undertaken by the Gaimaragal Group. A First Australian, Susan’s ancestry is Woolwonga and Gurindji from the Northern Territory. She will be co-presenting with ELIZA PROSS, Leader for Change Consultant and is a Gaimariagal resident, and Yuin/Palawa woman from Southern NSW and Tasmania. Eliza has an extensive work history in  community care, disability and mental health sectors and in international community development projects.

WENDY WATEGO is the Co-Founder and National Program Director of STARS Institute of Learning and Leadership. Wendy began her professional life as a pre-school educator, became the first Black woman  Principal of Bwgcolman School on Palm Island, a leadership coach, author and healer. Wendy’s mother’s mob are Goenpil, Nughie, Noonuccal people from Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island and her dad’s family are Aboriginal and proud South Sea Islanders from New Caledonia.

LUITA CASEY is currently working as an Aboriginal Women’s Health Nurse with the Women’s Health Network. She will be presenting a pilot program entitled, ‘Engaging Aboriginal Women to participate and tell their stories about what they feel cultural safety means to them”.

It is encouraging to see government, non-government organizations and grassroots communities join forces with us in choosing the agenda. This event is about sharing of information on successful Indigenous women programs being implemented in all corners of the world and offers interagency networking either at a local country, state, national and international levels. We encourage anyone interested in attending the conference to register early as numbers are filling fast! To register, please visit the event’s website: www.indigenousconferences.com or email us at adminics@iinet.net.au

Jobs: CEO – Canberra ACT

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of Australians who use drugs, people in drug treatment and people living with hepatitis C? Would you like to lead a dynamic national organisation committed to improving the health and human rights of people who use drugs?

The Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL), is the national organisation representing people who use or have used illicit drugs and is the peak body for the state and territory organisations. AIVL is looking to fill the position of Chief Executive. This role will be responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the organisation.

This full-time position is based at the AIVL office in Canberra with a salary range of $105,000- $120,000 p.a. plus superannuation and salary packaging.

AIVL operates on a peer-based philosophy and strongly encourages applications from people with lived experience of drug use and who identify with the community of people who use drugs.

Applicants will need to address all key selection criteria to be short listed for interview. The position description/application pack can be obtained by calling Amy McDonell on 02 6279 1600  or by visiting the AIVL website.

The closing date for this position is close of business on the 27 May 2016.

Jobs: Case Worker – Sydney

WHOS (We Help Ourselves) is based in NSW and QLD, and caters for individuals who are experiencing difficulties with Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) dependence. Our programs are based on the Therapeutic Community model of care. Transitional and Exit Housing is available to all WHOS clients after they have completed the residential treatment program.

We are currently looking for a Full Time Case Worker to join the WHOS Gateway Aftercare/Outreach service.

The primary focus of the Case Worker role will be working with clients in the Aftercare (‘Gateway’) phase of the WHOS program based in Rozelle (NSW). This program works with clients who have completed the main residential treatment programs and focuses on clients  re-integration back into the community through a structured and supported program.

 

Essential Selection Criteria:

  • Minimum Cert IV in AOD / Community Services
  • Minimum two years paid work experience in Alcohol & Other Drugs treatment services
  • Case management experience
  • Experience and knowledge of assisting clients into employment and training, relapse prevention and the development of independent living skills
  • Sound written and oral communication skills
  • Flexible, motivated and enthusiastic team player
  • Computer literacy and word processing skills
  • Current First Aid Certificate
  • Current Drivers Licence

Desirable Selection Criteria:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the Therapeutic Community model.

The position reports to the WHOS Service Enhancement Team Manager and will also be expected to contribute to policy development, maintaining data records in relation to KPIs relating to this service and producing monthly activity reports.

Remuneration: Negotiated dependant on qualifications and experience equivalent to SCHDS Award. Successful applicants will need to provide current Police Record Check.

Please forward a covering letter addressing the Essential Selection Criteria and a copy of your current Resume to Steve Hocking, Service Enhancement Team Manager stephenh@whos.com.au .  (02) 85727482

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS SHOULD NOT APPLY

Applications close: 5pm Monday May 23rd 2016.

Sydney MSIC Safer Injecting Workshop

Sydney MSIC Safer Injecting Workshop

Are you looking to enhance your skills in relation to working with people who inject drugs? Do you want to be able to offer the best Harm minimisation advice? Then book yourself onto the Safer Injecting Workshop run by the Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC).

 

NEW COMPONENT ADDED FOR 2016: Administration of Narcan (Naloxone) in a community setting with your own take-home kit containing two doses of Narcan!

 

Monday 9 May 2016 (9am – 4.30pm)

Cost: $200 (includes cost for take-home Narcan kit)

Lunch and light refreshments provided

This workshop is aimed at workers or volunteers currently working with people who inject drugs and who have some level of training and/or experience.  The workshop provides a sound foundation to consolidate existing knowledge for those wishing to expand their skills in providing safer injecting advice.  This workshop is a full day course and aims to offer participants an understanding of:

  • Safer injecting practices including high risk injecting and related problems
  • Performance and image-enhancing drugs (steroids)
  • Drug filtration (particularly opioid tablets) for injection with a practical demonstration using wheel filters
  • An introduction to opioid overdose identification and management

Sydney MSIC trainers are in a unique position to offer you interactive and specialised training in the field of injecting drug use. Our training packages provide you with knowledge, skills and confidence to empower you to work effectively with people who use drugs. Training packages are interactive, engaging and give workers the chance to ask the questions they’ve always wanted to ask but were too afraid to…….

All participants can elect to attend an early morning tour of the service prior to the training start time. This tour commences at 8.30am. Please indicate if you wish to attend this at time of booking.

For a registration form to book a place on this course, please email:

rglasgow@uniting.org                                          NB: The closing date for applications is two weeks prior to the course date

Jobs: Community Aboriginal Worker – Western Australia

South Metro Community Alcohol and Drug Service –  Mandurah

 Community Aboriginal Worker – drug and alcohol

Full time contract to 30 June 2017

Palmerston Association is a leading and respected not for profit organisation supporting people with alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues in Western Australia.

Based in Mandurah the Community Aboriginal Worker will provide AOD support to the local Aboriginal community in the Peel region. The successful applicant will have significant life skills and experience in building trust with local Aboriginal communities. The role includes outreach services, yarning and support to individuals and families struggling with alcohol and other drug issues, working with allied agencies including referrals and shared care. A strong sense of community connection is essential, along with good communication and individual support skills.

Palmerston can offer you:

  • an organisation that understands the importance of culture
  • excellent working conditions and environment
  • salary packaging benefits
  • training, development and support

Salary range is: $63,000 to $67,700.

For further information please download the job description form (JDF) from www.palmerston.org.au.

This appointment will be made under a Section 50(d) exemption of the Equal Opportunity Act.

For a confidential chat, please contact Terry Slomp on 9581 4010 or email: tslomp@palmerston.org.au

Applications to jobs@palmerston.org.au by 5pm Monday 7 March 2016. Please include your resume along with a statement outlining your interest and suitability for the position.

Great AOD App for Android and iOS Users

The Australian Indigenous Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge Centre today launched an Android version of their free mobile phone app called AODconnect, which will support efforts to reduce harmful substance use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The new Android app provides a national directory of alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and can be used by the AOD workforce, and the very wide range of health practitioners working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector.

The new Android version of the AODconnect app is the same as the iOS version launched in 2015, and now makes this valuable tool accessible to that large section of the workforce who use Android phones and tablets. The app is useful for those looking for a specific Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander AOD service by state, territory and/or region through an interactive map of Australia or by alphabetical listing. It has two filter options: focus (to identify the main focus of the service: Indigenous, mainstream with Indigenous focus or mainstream); or treatment categories (counselling and referral, harm reduction and support groups, outreach, mobile patrols and sobering up, residential rehab, withdrawal management, and young people).

AODconnect is available free for both Android and iOS devices (iPhones and iPads). Download it on the Knowledge Centre website, or Google Play and iTunes stores.

For more information: http://www.aodknowledgecentre.net.au/AODconnect

Please let us know if there is an AOD treatment service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that is not on the app and you think should be included.

Peer Helper Training (Victoria)

Association of Participating Service APSU @ SHARC will run the next Peer Helper Training course from 19 April – 5 May 2016. We invite people with the personal experience of problematic substance use, with or without mental health issues, to apply for this free training by 21 March 2016. The application will be followed by an individual assessment of each applicant before the final confirmation of enrolment.

APSU has been successfully running the Peer Helper Training since 2005. This training is designed to put a professional frame on participants’ lived experience. It particularly enables people who have had a disrupted education to test the waters, build their self-esteem, skill and knowledge level. Indeed, many people who have been through the Peer Helper Training have then moved on to further education or other socially engaging activities.

Training flyer with all the relevant information is available at http://sharc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/FlyerA4-11.pdf. Feel free to contact Edita at 9573 1776 if you have any further questions.

AOD PhD Scholarship Available

PhD SCHOLARSHIP – ALCOHOL’S HARM TO CHILDREN

Melbourne or Perth

3 years @ National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)

 

This three-year Curtin University/NDRI PhD Scholarship will be linked to NHMRC funded research on alcohol’s harm to children and will be for doctoral research into the prevention or reduction of such harms.

Applications are invited in any of these broad research areas:

  • Alcohol’s harm to others, particularly to children affected by others’ drinking due to intentional and unintentional injury
  • Alcohol’s impact on child abuse and neglect as identified in the child protection system
  • Finding interventions that work: How do alcohol-related policy and treatment initiatives for parents and carers assist their children?

 

Applications are open. Click for full details